The Right to Hug: Public Justice Helps Fight for In-Person Visits in Jails

Public Justice has filed a pair of lawsuits against two counties in Michigan that have eliminated in-person family visits at their jails to allegedly make money from phone and video calls. The lawsuits, M.M. v. King and S.L. v. Swanson challenge the jails' policies and argue that they are unconstitutional and unnecessary. 

Hundreds of jails nationwide have abandoned the practice of allowing families to physically visit their loved ones behind bars. Instead, they've turned to for-profit jail telecom companies, enticed by promises of increased revenue from phone and video calls. This rule change affects not only those incarcerated but their children and loved ones.

M.M. v. King filed in Port Huron, Michigan, and D.L. v. Swanson, filed in Flint, Michigan, target the individuals involved in the alleged conspiracies to violate the constitutional rights of incarcerated individuals and their families for profit. At its core, these cases raise critical questions about the government's authority to prohibit children and parents from visiting their incarcerated loved ones, especially when such policies serve no significant purpose other than profit.

These cases mark a pivotal moment in the fight for human dignity within the criminal justice system. They challenge the notion that monetary gain should supersede the fundamental need for familial bonds and human connection, particularly in times of hardship and incarceration.

The implications of M.M. v. King and S.L. v. Swanson extend far beyond the courtroom, highlighting broader issues of justice, equity, and society's moral responsibility towards its most vulnerable members. 

Thanks to Public Justice and their allies for fighting against systemic threats like corporate corruption, environmental polluters, and assaults on civil rights and liberties. If you would like to financially support Public Justice and help them continue their important work, click here to visit their website. 

About Donna A. Jones

Donna Jones is the President at Advocate Capital, which became a part of Pinnacle in 2019. Ms. Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of Advocate Capital and serves as a member of the Credit Committee. Her responsibilities include education and training of Advocate Capital staff regarding civil litigation, coaching new clients on the fundamentals of Advocate’s online services, as well as its proprietary software application, AdvoTrac®, and all activities related to existing and prospective clients.