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LANDMARK CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT CHALLENGES SAN FRANCISCO'S DENIAL OF SUNLIGHT TO PRISONERS: A CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT THAT LEADS TO SERIOUS ILLNESSES
SAN FRANCISCO - On Tuesday, August 8, a groundbreaking class action lawsuit will go to trial in Federal District Court, bringing attention to a deeply concerning practice that has far-reaching implications for the health and well-being of pre-trial detainees. The case, Norbert , et al v. the San Francisco Sheriff's Department, challenges the San Francisco County Sheriff's Department, the City and County of San Francisco, and Sheriff Paul Miyamoto over their denial of access to sunlight for prisoners.
The lawsuit, the first of its kind nationwide, argues that the total denial of sunlight constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and has been linked to severe chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Crohn's disease, obesity, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, migraines, and even cancers. Remarkably, such studies on humans have been deemed unethical due to the severe harm they inflict.
"We firmly believe that no one should suffer under inhumane conditions, and the denial of sunlight to prisoners represents a severe violation of their basic human rights," said Yolanda Huang, lead attorney on the case. "Our clients and others similarly situated have endured prolonged confinement without access to natural light, leading to devastating health consequences. This lawsuit seeks to shed light on the grave consequences of this policy and advocates for a more compassionate, humane, and just criminal justice system."
San Francisco's policy of not providing outdoor yards for prisoners and increasing the number of individuals subjected to solitary confinement without access to sunlight has come under scrutiny. Experts have long highlighted the detrimental effects of prolonged deprivation of natural light, yet this practice persists. The plaintiffs' case, which is supported by the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, and the San Francisco Public Defender, spotlights the urgency of reevaluating detention policies to ensure the dignity and well-being of all individuals within the criminal justice system.
"Deputy sheriff's are the backbone of the sheriff's department, and all of our members support and follow the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics which directs that we ‘respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.’ This includes the rights of those in our charge and in our custody, said Ken Lomba, president of the San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
“We support the inmates' request for outdoor access. This is the law, contained in California's building code, which is based on health and safety. As Sheriff deputies, everyone, including the Sheriff and the City of San Francisco is required to obey the law, especially the building code at our facilities. As officers we should model robust compliance with the law.”
A striking comparison emerges when looking at jails like Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, which provides inmates with a large outdoor grassy courtyard for access to sunlight. San Francisco's jail was built without outdoor space, despite having ample land. Contrasting such facilities with San Francisco's current practices highlights the stark difference in treatment and raises pressing questions about the County's commitment to the wellbeing of its detainees.
Experts agree that natural sunlight is not only essential for physical health but also critical for maintaining mental well-being, a fact that should never be overlooked within detention facilities.
The plaintiffs' harrowing experiences as pre-trial detainees, confined for multiple years without access to sunlight, highlight the gravity of the issue. Their stories underscore the urgent need for reforms within the criminal justice system to ensure the humane treatment of those awaiting trial.
The lawsuit's historical significance cannot be overstated, as it challenges San Francisco's policy of not building outdoor yards for prisoners, leaving detainees without access to sunlight for the duration of their confinement. As the nation grapples with criminal justice reform, this case places San Francisco under the spotlight, urging the City to catch up to other counties nationwide and prioritize the health and well-being of all its detainees. This lawsuit represents a tangible step toward creating a more humane system that values the wellbeing and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their legal status.
"This trial is not only about seeking justice for our clients, but it is also a critical opportunity for our community to address systemic issues in the criminal justice system,” Huang said. “Denying detainees sunlight is a violation of their basic human rights, and we must work towards a more compassionate and equitable approach to incarceration."
For media inquiries, interviews, and further information, please contact Tommy McDonald, 510-928-8622.
Norbert, et al v. San Francisco Sheriff's Department
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