Freedom of Speech for Inmates - Essay Example

The prohibition of personal or face-to-face interviews of inmates with media personnel is irrespective of whether the interview is peaceful and without threats. Inmates are thus advised to use alternative methods of communication other than personal interviews.

In Procunier v. Martinez, communication with inmates is highly prohibited and prison wardens have an obligation to ensure that this constitutional law is followed. In most prisons, there are prisoners who have been assigned the duty to ensure that the law of prison is followed and who also speak on behalf of prisoners. The warden, in this case, has no other option but to make it known to the prisoners that the law does not allow personal interviews with the media personnel. The warden should also agree with the inmates’ clerks to maintain order in the prison.

Part 2; Several inmates confined to a disciplinary segregation unit submit letters to the warden of a correctional facility, indicating that they want to attend mandatory religious services, on a significant holy day of their chosen religion; do you have to allow them to attend? If not, why?

According to May v. Sheahan, an inmate is entitled to exercise freely his religious practices as outlined in the Free Exercise Clause (Pollock, 2011). Prison regulation that does not adhere to this clause can only be upheld if it is reasonable under legitimate interests. Thus, all prisoners including those in the disciplinary unit have the right to exercise their faith. These rights should be protected as they help in the transformation process. Religion contributes a lot in strengthening their morals and in changing their criminal lifestyle to that of a morally upright person who has the ability to make ethical decisions. In relation to this, the prison warden should allow the inmates to practice their faith freely and to access religious materials concerning their faith. If not, then the warden must have a concrete reason that is in accordance with a legitimate interest.