kristinam79
03-14-2006, 11:37 AM
AP) LOS ANGELES A federal judge has tentatively ruled that L.A. county officials violated thousands of jail inmates' rights by requiring them to sleep on mattresses on concrete floors.
The attorney who filed the class-action lawsuit says the county could face damages of $100,000,000 if Monday's ruling becomes final and if more plaintiffs join the case.
The lawsuit already represents about 24,000 inmates.
The judge said the practice indicated an "endemic problem" in "dysfunctional," overcrowded facilities.
But a private attorney representing the county argued that requiring inmates to sleep on floors is only illegal if it results in poor health or unsafe conditions.
The judge gave attorneys for both sides time to make additional arguments before he issues a final ruling. (© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
The attorney who filed the class-action lawsuit says the county could face damages of $100,000,000 if Monday's ruling becomes final and if more plaintiffs join the case.
The lawsuit already represents about 24,000 inmates.
The judge said the practice indicated an "endemic problem" in "dysfunctional," overcrowded facilities.
But a private attorney representing the county argued that requiring inmates to sleep on floors is only illegal if it results in poor health or unsafe conditions.
The judge gave attorneys for both sides time to make additional arguments before he issues a final ruling. (© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)