** please argue this case on the part of Johnny. Show, using case law and other legal arguments, how the warden’s measures constituted violations of the
Eighth Amendment.
For the past 20 years, Johnny has been a model prisoner. He finished his college degree and worked as a cook in the prison kitchen. One day, a fight in the
mess hall between two other prisoners resulted in the death of one prisoner and several injuries to prison guards. At the time, Johnny was working in the
kitchen and took no role in the fight.
After the fight, the warden of the prison imposed a series of punishments. First, the warden ordered a 24-hour lockdown of the prison. This lockdown lasted
10 days, during which prisoners were not allowed out of their cells.
Second, the warden ordered that prisoners be deprived of all “treats” including adult magazines, reading materials, caffeinated sodas, candy, and desserts;
visiting privileges for all prisoners were halted for one year.
Finally, and perhaps worst, the warden decided to isolate the most violent prisoners for an extended period. Because of Johnny’s murder conviction, the
warden ordered Johnny to serve six months in solitary confinement.
After doing his time in solitary, Johnny filed an internal complaint with the warden. In his complaint, Johnny argued that the warden’s punitive measures
violated his Eighth Amendment rights. The warden denied Johnny’s complaint and Johnny then filed a complaint in the federal court.
********* If your last name starts with A – L, please argue this case on the part of Johnny. Show, using case law and other legal arguments, how the warden’s
measures constituted violations of the Eighth Amendment.
***Please note that the Week 7 Content section contains review of the case law relevant to this discussion so please be sure to review that material. ***
Have fun with this! Be strong advocates for your clients but be sure to use the law to support your position, not simply opinions.