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ethics of care

Welcome.

Get to know jailhouse lawyers and their loved ones through the words, wisdom, and experiences of incarcerated individuals who teach themselves the law to advocate for themselves and the rights of their peers. 

Please take care as you interact with these stories as they provide insight into alternatives and solutions to mass incarceration, but also touch upon difficult content, including confinement, medical neglect, and death, and retaliation that jailhouse lawyers routinely experience– from solitary confinement to transfers and restrictions on accessing law libraries and resources – simply because they seek to know, use, and shape law.

Additionally, please approach this website with respect, care, responsibility, including without an intent of exploitation.

This website was crafted on these principles, and we hope you enter this space feeling the same.

– Flashlights Team

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When they hear our stories of tragedy and triumph when they see our meaningful contributions to the world then they will begin to feel the pain of an oppressed population, and rally behind us as fellow humans to transform a failed system that has been in place for far too long. Brandon Tieuel, Texas
Within seconds, Hashi was at my cell with his hand thrust through the bars in search of mine, in that one gesture my resolve dissipated to nothing. I grasped his hand with mine and reached my other arm out the bars and hugged him. “I love you, brother,” is all I could manage. The dam broke and my eyes flooded with tears. Hashi squeezed my hand one final time and told me, “I love you, too, little brother,” and walked away. In that moment, there was a dignity and grace to him that I had never seen. Even in what were to be his final days, he was still teaching, and I was still learning. I sat back down and sat vigil for the next three days. We all knew that Hashi had about 72 hours to live. And as it is with all who are transported to the “death house” we prayed for that last minute stay of execution, but God decided to say “no” this time and at 12:07 am, Hashi was pronounced dead by lethal injection. Tony Enis, Illinois
There ain’t a night I don’t look beyond these walls with cataract eyes and pull in the stars. Today’s a blessing. Every good one I’ll record them. Tomorrow I’ll wake up a slave behind these bars. Mocha Scroggins, Texas
I am serving a life sentence in North Carolina. There exists a blanket-ban on law libraries at all facilities in this prison system. As an alternative to law library access, the State Maintains a contractual - agreement with an organization called North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (“NCPLS”), who in theory is supposed to provide legal assistance to prisoners confined within NC DOC. In theory. In reality they provide virtually none… Retaliation by prison staff for the use of grievance procedures occurs as a matter of course. Mail is treated as a you’ll-get-it-if-you’re-lucky” privilege, and not the right that it is. Very rarely do prisoners challenge any of this through litigation, for there aren’t law libraries so they have no clue where to begin. Cobey LaKemper, North Carolina
Honestly I think the priority issue of abolition needs to start with the abolition of life sentences, No one should ever have to do more than 20 years in this cold Hell. Joseph Davall, California
Myself being a jailhouse lawyer, I have read numerous prisoners Reporter’s Record and discovered that many of them have meritorious constitutional claim(s) which begs the court’s reviewal but due to the AEDPA 1-year limitation period they are forever “timed-barred’ from presenting their meritorious constitutional clam(s) to the federal court. (including myself). Sam, Texas
I’ve been incarcerated since 2011. But during my long Journey, I’ve enrolled myself into a School of Law, where I learned all this food for thought, overcoming all of my obstacles, developing a skill, and becoming so passionate with the law. I became a law check, obtained a lot of knowledge and assisted hundreds of prisoners, to get out of jail or prison. Or get new trials, reduce their sentences with over 10 years of crimes, post convictions and civil litigation experience who are seeking criminal justice reform for all inmates around the United States. Jimmie E. Evans, Florida
The more I have applied myself into making a change inside of the Nebraska Correctional Center for women, the more I have had to worry about how the administration was going to use my housing as an underhanded way to punish me for doing what my heart and soul tells me I have to do. Christian Mikel Henderson, Nebraska
It is imperative for us to stress the importance of self advocacy to the prison population. We can no longer put our lives into the hands of public defenders who only see us as numbers on their overloaded caseloads, and parole and appeal lawyers who just plug our information into cut-and-paste legal briefs while they sit back and collect tens and thousands of dollars each month. We, the actual human beings who spend our lives in cages, are the best suited to talk about our own experiences, and you know what the most surprising fact about that is ??? The public is actually interested! Brandon Tieuel, Texas
Although illicit drugs in Texas prisons is a problem (and has been for some time) it is not the reason for the increase in prisoner-on-prisoner homicides. It is actually a symptom of a larger humanitarian crisis which TDCJ is attempting to hide from public scrutiny. The real issue is the dangerous combination of understaffing, excessive heat, insufficient food, and a dysfunctional Texas judicial system that has nullified any hope of meaningful appeal or redress of grievances. These factors have not only resulted in increased drug use and prisoners on prisoner violence and homicide, but also a significant increase in suicide rates and self-harm. Scott Zirus, Texas
Being incarcerated in the U.S. is not a trivial experience, and even more so, being housed in a Florida State prison as a woman is extra challenging. Our judicial system can be biased at best, (I’ve filed countless direct appeals, post conviction motions, Federal Habeas Corpus, COA’s and Certiorari’s challenging this fact and many other viable arguments in some form or fashion) these sentences are disparate and the prisons dilapidated. Florida sees us as a payday as well as a problem but what is being lost in translation is the fact that the “problem” holds the solution. Kenya Hill, Florida
I cannot tell you how excited I am about JLI, organizations like yours give people hope, hope that people out there care, in a system that so easily casts those in need to the side, hope is all we have. Dylan H., Illinois
Thank you very much for reaching into this State Dump for so many uplifting reasons like recycling some of us, strengthening all of our Eighth Amendment, & educating-correcting the typical misinformation. Thanks for removing some of the boots from our necks so we can have a voice. Another great Module for my collection! l copy & share one, keeping the original for my use & recopy. jamesdegorski.com, Illinois
I’m tired today. The night officer woke me up 4 times last night. They say it’s to make sure I’m not dead yet. That logic is wrong on so many levels, then again, government reason is always tenuous at best. We all know the truth, it’s really about oppression, the deepest control. If I’m such a “Bad” guy then why not grant me the mercy of a death penalty ? Why torture me every day for the rest of my life ? Only the government is guilty of that kind of evil. Joseph Davall, California
I’ve learned all, about the laws in California, as once you start to challenge your Conditions , they will place you in Administrative Segregation (Ad- seg/ The hole) for inciting. A Jailhouse lawyer it not a good thing in this prison system, because it labels you a trouble maker by staff, who will retaliate if you bring them up on charges. They expect you to be subordinate to their control over you and not challenge their authority. Mwalimu Shakur, California
Beliefs must be viewed as a consequence of personal trauma. This trauma must be dealt with honestly in order to effect change. People must be shown how to separate their past ordeals from their future interactions. That is the key to rehabilitation. Brother Darty, California
How do prisoners receive help on legal work, when we’re punished ? Why is helping others a crime where violence and threats must be used, against those who cannot fight back? Where can we find help, or assistance in getting help, when we are punished, and violently attacked, for trying to help? Ibrahim Hamora, Federal Prison
Understanding that I am not my past has helped me become who I was always suppose to be. I look at nobody as beneath or above me. Everyone is strong in their purpose. Their knowledge may be different then mine, stronger in some areas and weaker in others. We all can learn from one another, even from behind these walls. Sharee Miller Williams, Michigan
I don’t have the finance to pay for the most respected and knowledgeable defense attorney. I’ve decided to get educated in litigating criminal/civil law, so I can assist myself and any attorney over my legal proceeding. Hakim Abu Samad, Illinois
The system goes to great lengths to condition prison staff to see us as anything other than human. They shave our heads, take our names, restrict any meaningful human contact, steal our individuality, and label us “Offender”. This is a strategic move that forces the staff to view us as beneath them, so when they witness our mistreatment they are not able to feel empathy because they do not view us as fellow human beings. It’s like when a person squashes a bug. We don’t view that as murder because it’s just a bug. When an officer sees me get slammed on my head while I’m in handcuffs, it’s not a big deal. I’m just an offender Brandon Tieuel, Texas
This kind of deliberate indifference and gross negligence is inexcusable considering that Texas had a surplus windfall budget of $30 billion. What the public must understand is that Texas must pay up front for new AC Units for inmates and staff health alike, or, it can pay dearly later to wrongful death judgment and costs of litigation. Iron T., Texas
My situation is so simple yet complicated because my Family WAS poor and the Lawyer I hired allowed the state to railroad me. Knowing What I know Now has evolved my Level of Understanding the LAW. Yet when I show and prove my wrongful conviction claim and Legal Innocence on my own the Buddy Buddy system won’t provide relief . They Force you to be represented by state appointed Attorneys who only do the minimum to push you through the system. Demetrius, South Carolina
I am now sharing my story with you in hopes that perhaps, just for a brief moment in time, you can see life through my weary eyes and understand my struggle, my anguish, and also the reason why I continue to hold onto hope despite being trapped within a severely flawed and biased judicial system; allowing that hope to forever be my beacon light towards mental freedom as I anxiously await the day when that becomes my physical freedom as well. Antwann Johnson, Missouri
We have the power as women in prison to change the narrative as well, we just have to be willing to build those bridges as we go along and not be afraid to seize the opportunities presented to us. What we are all doing together in concert has more of an effect than what we can truly ever realize. Its so exciting. And its great to hear the excitement of other women everywhere. Kenya Hill, Florida
I am [being] targeted by IDOC for Helping Inmates and their Loved One’s throughout the State. So I would ask you to PLEASE keep tabs on me and Advocate for me when they try to shut me down. I like to think of myself as a Freedom Fighter. So while I’m Fighting my Wrongful Conviction, I’m HELPING ALL those I can on my way out!! And since doing Legal Work and HELPING Inmates Fight their Cases is a Passion and my Life’s Calling, I Plan on pursuing a Law Degree once I’m released so I can not only HELP Inmates with Post-Trial Motions, but would be able to actually go into a Court Room and Argue the Case too!! Craig Herrick, Illinois
To whomever is reading this story, I wish that for a brief moment you could tap into my mind and my heart and experience the overwhelming anguish that I have carried for so long as I fight to reclaim the freedom that was taken from me over two decades ago. Tears flow from my face onto this paper simply because no one knows the pain that comes along with being in prison…I’m tired of asking for help only to continue being ignored. I’m tired of pleading for my life just for it to fall on deaf ears. I’m tired of being placed in Administrative Segregation because of my concerns due to complaining about conditions being frowned upon in the eyes of the institution. Where is the conflict resolution? Where is the true care and concern? Where is the real justice? Antwann Johnson, Missouri
The cumulative effect of collateral consequences: carceral citizenship. It’s a second-class citizenship for people with criminal records, marked by the reality that carceral citizens are made to do things other people cannot be made to do, like attend meetings for drug treatment, whether they have a drug problem or not. And they can arrest be arrested if they be have in ways that are perfectly legal for everyone else , like crossing state lines while on probation. Tiger, Texas
Because of my open advocacy of the inmate grievance procedure and 1983 litigation, I was removed from my position as law clerk as well. What was meant to douse the flame that we sparked, only added fuel to our fire, and now we are more determined than ever to spread knowledge, raise the level of consciousness in our prison, and arm our incarcerated brothers with the proper tools they need to enforce their constitutional rights. Brandon Tieuel, Texas
I would insist on Minimum Wages for those incarcerated, because prices on everything for those incarcerated are more than what the public pays for anything including items from the canteen. And the Minimum Wage effect would have everyone incarcerated seriously vying to work for minimum wage! The work inmates do at this current time is forced, because no one I’ve been in contact with in here wants to work for the amount provided at this current time, which is pennies, which is basically forced labor! The threat of forced labor can be eliminated from the prison system if minimum wages were paid to inmates! If corporations are allowed to benefit from prison labor, why shouldn’t prisoners make minimum wages? Because this is how exploitation happens when the powers that be know they don’t have to pay fair wages for prisoners they will just do whatever! Dallas Taybo, California
Through sharing of my personal experiences I hope to bring some enlightenment or consciousness to the oppressed, and specially to youth, the future of our generation. Xinachtli, Texas
When I arrived to prison about seven years ago there was talk about reducing prison populations and closing prisons. Since then, at least three new prisons have opened in my state. Now, I have to give the spin doctors their due: They are not new prisons, they are a new mental health facility and the new re-entry facilities. Leo Cardez, Illinois
We are bridges for one another, our families, communities and societies. We are the light that exposes the way towards true freedom and justice. I believe that we are what the world is waiting for. Latif, New York
I’m serving a 90 Year sentence in the OKDOC for a crime that I did not commit. I have 25 Years clear conduct, all programs completed and a Certified Paralegal. I have never made it Past the first stage to get a Personal appearance, This is my first incarceration, But Yet I still rise, and I am going to continue to help others get out of Prison, because when we help others, we actually help a small division of ourselves. Major H, Virginia
Thank you again for all you give my JLI’S family you all are a light in my darkness and with your help and unselfishness let’s work together to make everything we can control a better version on what it was meant to be to what it could be with a little attention and Passion. Jose, Indiana
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Michael James Evans

In my time down I've been committed to teaching myself Civil And criminal law, And have filed 6 - civil suits in Federal Court…And just ran 4 through At one time…And I Now have 2 in state count,
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Tyrone Peele

I am passionate about using the law to obtain justice for myself as well as others. I am into cooking, I’m a journey man w/ Pa. Dep’t. Of Labor.
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Sherman

THE JAILERS FAILED TO TAKE ME TO MY ORIGINAL COURT DATE, THEN SAID I REFUSED. THAT WAS COINCIDENTLY THAT TRIAL JUDGES LAST DAY, AND SUBSEQUENTLY RETIRED. I HAVE NOW MISSED THREE (3) COURT DATES DUE TO THE JAIL BEING ‘QUARANTINED
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James G

I would like to say thank you for the information that I have already received from JLI. It is a blessing to have better insights on how to use the law, find the law, put the law into perspective.
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Shayd Charles Mitchell

I do what I can. Sometimes I feel like a small fish in an ocean of corruption. Maybe, just maybe things will start getting better soon. That’s my prayer.
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David Morales Zenquis

Unless … each individual writes to the Director of the FBOP and to the Attorney General expressing concern and desire to volunteer to help directly, nothing will change.
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Roman Lee Jones

I would enjoy sharing ideas and finding solutions to problem that plague the society at large. Due to unjust sentences, harsh prison conditions and lack of interest to rights for prisoners your outlet is a heaven sent.
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Jim Herbert Hamilton Jr.

I am on the battlefield of Inmate and Father advocacy during my current incarceration. I am totally interested in receiving detailed legal education and empowerment curriculum.
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Clifford Powers

From March 2020 to March 2022 no one was allowed to go to the library here. Fortunately, myself and the other law clerk were allowed to work, which meant that the two of us fielded all the questions, did all the research, provided forms, made copies, and everything else.
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Edson Gelin

The reason why I’ve linked the criminal justice system with slavery and Jim Crow is because they are inextricably intertwined, and all three perpetuate the same purpose.
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Debbie Knoe

But it taught me that it is better To struggle for your rights Then to lay down and accept it . So I've been in the struggle for a while now.
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Sonny Pitts

Alot of people just do not know the law and the people in the court house that have been prosecuting people for years take advantage of that just to get convictions.
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Islamic Ali

THEY STARTED THE RAMADAN ATTACKS ON DAY 1, THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME BREAKFAST OR MY REGULAR TRAY. THEY ANTAGONIZE MUSLIMS ALL MONTH EVERY YEAR 4 SPORT HERE IN AMERICA, THE LAND OF FICTITIOUS LIBERTIES ON PAPER.
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Jeffrey Westbrook

I wish to enclose my Consent Form, and to share one of the worst decisions I've read in a long time and there's no shortage of them in hostile Texas courts, Federal and state). And as always, I'm genuinely grateful for your time and consideration.
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Troy Wigley aka "Tiger"

My struggle is more than a day to day waking-up in prison its a determination of survival, never never never give in to the demands of satan and never never never give up fighting the Good Fight.
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Aaron Eaton

I’ve help a lot of inmates with civil rights cases. I just helped to settle a sexual assault case for 50,000, and I’ve been successful in getting ADA claims into court
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Husia

Restore means to return back to your original nature and position; to rediscover your divine qualities; to heal; to cure; and recover form the social disguise invented by society.
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Tripiati

Maricopa County prosecutors, on approval of Maricopa County judges, as retaliation for my exposing corruption within the Maricopa County system went to Beverly Hills, California, searched my office, arrested me and brought me to Arizona.
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PWill4Real

That is the only way with my wisdom the ‘flashlight’ will always be on always shedding light in the much needed aspects. I see it this way you can’t get the whole without the parts.
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Dylan H.

Organizations like yours give people hope, hope that people out there care. In a system that so easily casts those in need to the side, hope is all we have.
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Thomas L. Walker-Bey

I definitely need all the help I can get in this never-ending struggle to be treated humane.
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Jose Cruz

I was ignorant to the law when I plead guilty and my lawyer told me this was the best he can do. The things I’ve been researching lately have shown me that my lawyer was ineffective.
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Jimmie M Evans

During my long journey, I've enrolled my self into a school of law where i'd learned all these food for thoughts over coming all of my obstacles developing a skill and became so impassioned with the law I became a law clerk
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Cobey Lakemper

Law libraries actually create a ripple effect, whereby when they’re present within a facility, the facility is better in numerous ways.
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Bre Lane

...The world needs to know about all of the injustices we face + are forced to deal with on a daily basis. We're already incarcerated, away from our loved ones, being beaten, raped + even murdered. And still our voices go unheard.
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Richard A.

It is time some of the professors, students, lawyers, judges, policy writers and future jailers demand to talk to the few of us that have lived in this world they have created.
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Mwalimu Shakur

I believe as jailhouse lawyers it’s our job to help others understand how to fight there cases and the law, as well as help to challenge these unjust conditions inside of prison.
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Charlie McKinley

I read one of your trade guild’s publications and found it both empowering and informative. My perspective of the struggle against the indignities and campaign against prisoner empowerment is evolving
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Anonymous

What do your mind ruminate when you hear the words, ‘world peace?’ in order to fill the void, it’s love that we have to release. Hopefully this will happen in due time. As a nation, how can we make unity increase?
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Charles/Chuck

I only request help fighting DOC, my struggles, and years of punishment/restricted privileges I have endured because of Colorado DOC illegal practices.
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J Moses

I would ask for recommendations on how a person without access to a computer, the internet or friends/family to create a digital edition of a physical typed proposal.
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Ahmaad Lane

See, I know and understand that this system is draconian etc. however that’s the Problem, our cries/gripes is the Reaction and its our duty to conjure up the Solution.
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Robert Saunders

If correctional systems are to perform a public safety function, the public must be able to hold institutions at least partially accountable for the impact inmates have on the communities upon returning.
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Ontario

...You sent me a Human rights law module I really do appreciate it and I found it most definitely helpful. I am writing to you to inquire into other modules that you may have issued in the past it doesn't matter on what part of the law.
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Xinachtli

‘Storytelling’ is much a integral part of our sharged experience, and shared knowledge in the act of raising consciousness, telling of our ‘vision’ for a more just and free world
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Wayne Viera

Frederick Mason believes that soon the ‘Levies will break.’ I am less optimistic than he, but I spend every day trying to make him right. What else do I have to do??
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Scientific

I set new precedent in June of 2022 for prisoners’ access to the law library, a copy of which is attached. I’ve won over $15,000.00 in settlement money, and I help two of my peers get re-sentenced.
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S. M. Steele

I am a serious litigator. Some people call me a jailhouse lawyer. But I am just someone who has grew up in prison that was born to keep the government honest. I fight for juvenile justice at heart.
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Michael Kelly

While attempting to gain relief for myself through the prison law library, I found another passion that was of more importance and that was to help my fellow incarcerated.
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Antwann Johnson

If ‘no more victims’ is the goal, then most definitely these people should be set free from a system that has failed them and made victims of them.
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David Ray Fleenor

It is an unfortunate truth, but in Oklahoma a person serving 21 consecutive calendar years of incarceration inside the Department of Corrections does not shock the conscience of anyone in this state.
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jamesdegorski.com

I filed a suit for my shattered wrist though the Dentons U.S. firm took it. So, now I'm sitting here with nothing to do. Just kidding I haven't been idle in 21 yrs. despite their efforts
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Robert Emery

I'm not legally allowed to help anyone here, but do anyway!
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Mike Baker

The legal system of today is overwelming to most people especially those who have never read the Laws, codes, regulations, bills, or social-contracts created by the consent of the governed!
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Leroy S

It’s been eight (8) years fighting my conviction and need outside resources or assistance to file a sufficient and successful writ and appeal
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Noel Turner

I enjoy working within the law and fighting issues in the Court, be it Civil Rights, Habeas Corpus (State/Federal), Family Law, etc.
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Chris Henderson

Just because we are incarcerated does not mean that we no longer have the ability to create meaningful connections, its quite the opposite.
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Sam Barrett

I share my JLI with as many fellow residents as I can every issue, and the number of interested parties grows each time. Personally, I’m seeking the ability to pursue Paralegal I and II certificates
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Robert D. Fletcher

I may suggest, that if somehow your team can build a team of jailhouse lawyers and connect them in a meaningful way around litigation, it would be one of the most powerful ‘law firms’ that exist.
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D Smalls

We live in America where tax payers pay more to corrections officers than teachers. It cost more to keep a prison open than a public school.
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Don Whoa Gotti

As you know there isn’t too many program like you all down here. So I am dedicating all my effort in this struggle fix the wrong in these correctional institution.
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Leo Cardez

If you believe in the tenets of restorative justice–that true justice is about more than just punishment–than efforts towards finding ways we can undo some of the harm we’ve caused should be encouraged
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Danny Thomas

The advocate has always been the underdog, we’ve always been doubted, yet we persist. Regardless at the core there is a universal strength that binds the advocate of today to those of yesteryear.
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Joaquin G

I got interested in law when I saw how the system did me wrong and others so I decided to help others so i started reading books about the law and the consitution and all the amendments rights…
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Rodney Derrickson

I feel like all Jailhouse Lawyers should receive a certifications as paralegals in order to receive additional protections as outlined in the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Missouri v. Jenkins (NOTE: I chose this one bc Rodney specifically requested that this quote appear on Flashlights and any other JLI materials (the full quote is longer)
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Ameer

In addition to the twenty years of incarceration, I have been studying and practicing federal law throughout this time period.
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Ghost

I am interested in receiving legal education & empowerment curriculum...I have obtained the paralegal certificate & want to learn about the law.
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Makueepayee D. Whitford

I’m 41 years old and been doing time for over half my life, but you know what…I’ve found my true calling and that is fighting for Human Rights. When they take everything away, that’s all you have left
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Nicka Ray

Greetings and thank you for this great opportunity to have this legal empowerment toolkit series. Again thank you
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Scott Petrie

I was told 2 months ago that I would be going to see a cardiologist and blood work was ordered but none taken its been 8 months, I just pop nitro when I get chest pain as it does no good to try and get medical help here
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Kenneth Lee Zamarron

I just recieved breathtaking news. I won my pro se successive petition for post-conviction relief…as a direct result, I will be able to argue for a new sentence.
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Jim

Dept of corrections is ripping off all our families…Text behind are double dipping their fees on our letters and emails. Inmates are paying for our own incarceration.
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Mocha K. Scroggins

I consider myself as Advocate to help change the ways inside Texas prison. I have a Bachleor Degree in Communication and I serve in the military (Army) for 4-years Honorable Discharge with a purple heart. I write articles and poetry about the mass incarceration here in Texas ..
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Fred Mason

It starts in the prisons. The truest ability for society to overcome social injustice is to see how it is tolerated against the least (as some believe) of the Americans.
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Roderick House Sr.

I am a wrongfully convicted son, brother, and father and these are the reasons why I choose to fight for my liberty.
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Scott Zirus

I know what it feels like to be abandoned and disenfranchised. But, truth is truth even if you are in the minority of one - so never give up on the good fight. Advocate. Litigate. Liberate.
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Marash Gojcaj

I firmly believe that good jailhouse lawyers can actually relieve the stress of many inmates by answering their questions thereby relieving the stress of the unknown and uncertainty.
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Swift

I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR THE LEGAL WRITER PROGRAM....THIS WHAT THE POLICY STATES. IT SUPPOSE TO BE A LEGAL WRITER IN THE LAW LIBRARY HIRED BY STAFF OF B.O.P TO ASSISTANCE THE INMATES.
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Nicholas A Holland

I HAVE BEEN WORKING IN PRISON LAW LIBRARIES FOR THE LAST TWENTY YEARS. I HAVE A NO NON SENSE REPUTATION THROUGHOUT THE VARIOUS PRISONS WHEN IT COMES TO LAW...I WOULD LIKE TO BE REGISTERED WITH YOU AS ONE OF THE INITIATIVES FRONT LINE SUPPORTERS.
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Yahyakim Muhammad Ali Oksona "Yahya

I am one of the injustices that can be seen as evidence of a problem of Mass Incarceration & a break in the justice system in Arkansas.
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Kentrell Welch

I would Just enjoy obtaining Legal advocates, associates, Friends, ‘MENTORS’ to assist; Teach me How to Litigate efficiently, most, effectively here For ‘US’ & Much of The; Litigation Is on behalf of others; ethnicity, is No relevance.
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Abu Ibrahiim Hammora

Where can we find help, or assistance in getting help, when we are punished, and violently attacked, for trying to help, and then you wonder why there so violent when released.
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Antoine Reed

My aim and passion are to actively contribute and participate in the dialogues and activities that will allow me opportunities to be heard and considered in a way where … change can be realized.
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RJ

I MOSTLY WORK FOR FREE, AND MY CLIENTS ARE MOSTLY INDIGENT. WHEN I GET [REDACTED] REVERSED, AND FREED, HE WILL BE DEPORTED. MOST OF MY CLIENTS DO NOT HAVE HELP. I AM IT. SO I DO MY BEST FOR THEM.
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Keith Lamont Burley Jr.

I litigate in State and federal court and would like to learn more about the Jailhouse Lawyer Initiative and participate … become a member.
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Will

I share and site case laws and instruct how to properly format motions and petitions or how to specify or relate questions so courts can properly interpret what’s being requested.
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Sam

The AEDPA must be repealed or at least amended to a 3-year limitation period to allow prisoners to obtain our Reporter’s Record and learn the law to prepare, draft and file our habeas corpus.
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Latif

During my 30 years, I discovered how to read, understand, and practice our Criminal Procedure Law (CPL). I try writing writs, legal motions, and Article 78s for myself and others.
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Dallas Traybo

This is what structural racism looks Like in the count systems in this country because I followed all the rules and met all time deadlines, whereas if I did not I should have been giving tolling because of barriers created by my fraudulent conviction
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Dans-DOC

the legal system in the US needs to transform. It needs to grow and not remain a system of prejudice and bias, only to support justice for the few
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Vince

If we both truelly desire to end mass incarceration (control) we can not be satisfied with a handful of watered down prison reforms. We must hold those in authority feet to the fire.
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Nikki Notsuki

look at a c/o the wrong way so they go to your cell, searches it, then writes you up for any dumb thing they decide to ‘find’ in your cell... Bam - no more people, at least for four months.
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Papa

28 yrs now in prison and never seen a law library. All the law I got was from other prisoners. I have tried to use the law but each time they retaliated against me.
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Brandon Tieuel

I became a part of a population of people that have been cast down, stigmatized, and alienated, but I believe in our ability to redeem ourselves, and facilitate positive change in this country.
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Scott

I am a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, recipient of the combat infantry badge, combat action badge, and bronze star. I served over 20 years in the army and suffered PTSD, combat fatigue, anxiety, and depression, but none of these things mattered when it came to securing a conviction.
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Joseph Davall, (AKA, AW-8294)

The overcrowding issue here in California is cruel & unsafe. The Prison continues to force 2 inmates into a cell Big enough for only 1 inmate.
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Guy Delgado

I'm passionate about helping others and advocating with Initiate Justice to help get bills passed in California.
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Will

I currently work in the Law Library at [Redacted] i am also a Jailhouse Lawyer. I work on multiple peoples cases at any giving time from PCRH petitions, §2254 Petitions etc... With this said, I believe the JLI would be a good place for me.
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Kifa Muhammad

Before coming to prison I was in a legal study college. Since in prison I recieved my paralegal certificate in criminl and civil law. If it not to late for me I want to go to law school to hepl people find justice.
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Sharee Miller Williams

Understanding that I am not my past has helped me become who I was always suppose to be. I look at nobody as beneath or above me. Everyone is strong in their purpose.
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Hakim Abu Samad

The Legal assistance within Illinois Department of Corrections is inadequate. Most of the knowledge and understanding I’ve aquired is self taught and comprehended, which is dangerous.
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Joseph Dole

I am a writer, artist, activist, jailhouse lawyer, and both cofounder and current policy director of the nonprofit organization Parole Illinois. I also do a fair amount of FOIA litigation and am currently working on a book on the Illinois FOIA.
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Shon Pernice

I have decided to use my GI Bill for the Blackstone Career Center so that I can learn more about law.
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Jane D

Policy further chastises us by denying us access to what little family and friends we have left through email and video visits. This narrows our support system greatly.
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Major H

Placing ourselves in Positions of Power. I hope that one day we will be the majority in the Federal and State legislatures, where we will be the writers of the law.
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SKS-HERUGLYPHX

This issue is so frustrating, whereas, I am doing nothing but the right thing and I am being treated as if Im doing the most, I am being silenced.
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Rabbit

While this certainly shatters the notion of the Land of the Free, what about the Home of the Brave? Is no one brave enough to stand up against mass illegal incarceration and modern day slavery?
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Craig Herrick

I'm going to Launch an Advocacy Group for Illinois Inmates and thier Loved One's...I found a willing partner and together we will be offering professional level assistance for post-trial motions and petitions...
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Mickey

Here in Texas we don’t get paid! We work for food ya; and we work for our cell and water lite and what we wear and where we sit we don’t get anything for free here in texas shoes or new shoes we pay for them
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Billy Sliger

I would like to thank you for the June 2023 newsletter. The innocence module has already been a great help. I just wished I would of had something like this years ago.
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Amin

I believe that my contributions help make and shape our Nation into becoming the World’s beacon of light by virtue of ‘Liberty and Justice for All’.
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Blue

I'm writing in regards to that, I was wondering if you can add me on to your ‘JLI Network', please I would very much appreciate. Thank you! So I do hope you have A great day bye now...
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Tony Enis

Several years later, God said ‘yes’ and I am alive today, and no longer on death row. Now, if I could only get him to say ‘yes’ to easing this never-ending pain of loss.
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Declaration

To be honest I thought an initiative for JL’s and law students on the same playing field just adds another ethical point to why the nature of law will always evolve.
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Robert Haller

I Have Spent Over 20 Years Of My Life In Prisons Across The Country … I Am Determined To Overcome And Fight Against A System That Destroys Lives, Like Mine.
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Freeman

It should always be understood that no one gets what they deserve but rather those things they expect. For the wheels of justice turn slow, so let us expect great movement at a slow pace.
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Cody Atkins

I have been a prisoner advocate for 5 years. I work with different groups…to fight for sec offender rights, Right now, I am trying to defeat community notification as unconstitutional.
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Tommy Eduardo Mejia

I am pro se, litigator in the beginning stage. I havel earned very much off of books my fellow man has loan me and I continue to learn as I proceed pro se in my first lawsuit.
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Brother Darty

This is my plan to bridge the divides of racism. discrimination, and prejudice that society has created against God's will. People must unite as one human race...so we all view and treat each other as equals.
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Kenya Hill

My every desire is to advocate for women in Florida State Prisons; to work with lawmakers to draft bills that directly impact women in a way that empower and equip women to overcome their present situations.
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