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Constitutional Law Keyed to Shanor
Johnson v. California
Citation:
543 U.S. 499 (2005)Facts
The California Department of Corrections (CDC) has an unwritten policy of racially segregating prisoners in double cells in reception centers for up to 60 days each time they enter a new correctional facility. The CDC’s asserted rationale for this practice is that it is necessary to prevent violence caused by racial gangs. It cites numerous incidents of racial violence in CDC facilities and in other major prisons in the State. The CDC also notes that prison-gang culture is violent and murderous. With the exception of the double cells in the reception areas, the rest of the state prison facilities-dining areas, yards, and cells are fully integrated. After the initial 60-day period, prisoners are allowed to choose their own cellmates.
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