On the recordMarch 19, 1996
I join Senator Kennedy in raising my strong concerns about the Prison Litigation Reform Act, a section of S. 1594. In attempting to curtail frivolous prisoner lawsuits, this legislation goes much too far, and instead may make it impossible for the Federal courts to remedy constitutional and statutory violations in prisons, jails, and juvenile detention facilities. No doubt there are prisoners who bring baseless suits that deserve to be thrown out of court. But unfortunately, in many instances there are legitimate claims that deserve to be addressed. History is replete with examples of egregious violations of prisoners' rights. These cases reveal abuses and inhumane treatment which cannot be justified no matter what the crime. In seeking to curtail frivolous lawsuits, we cannot deprive individuals of their basic civil rights. We must find the proper balance.
Source
govinfo.gov
