TDCJ COURTS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Habeas Corpus cases - ANSWER (bring body forth) Offender seeks
release from prison because of illegal or unconstitutional imprisonment --
after criminal appeal is exhausted
Section 1983 cases - ANSWER When officials have deprived the
offender of some constitutional right or withheld some benefit to which
the citizen is entitled. Offenders can collect money damages and
lawyers' fees from the government.
Cooper v. Pate - ANSWER Prisoners are entitled Civil Rights Act of
1871 and may challenge in federal courts the conditions of their
confinement.
Ruiz v. Estelle - ANSWER 1980 federal court decision that declared the
Texas prison system to be unconstitutional (overcrowding, understaffing,
and poor conditions and services). A class action suit called for a series
of reforms.
Lamar v. Coffield - ANSWER prohibited racial segregation
Guajardo v. Estelle - ANSWER TDC cannot deny inmates the right to
correspond with inmates to correspond on legal matters
Holt v. Hobbs - ANSWER hair
Who has the most influence for positive change to offenders - ANSWER
co
Offends right to legal matters - ANSWER access to courts, legal
counsel, public officials, communication with their consulae
Offenders have the right to State Counsel with one exception... -
ANSWER When the are suing the state
ANSWERS
Habeas Corpus cases - ANSWER (bring body forth) Offender seeks
release from prison because of illegal or unconstitutional imprisonment --
after criminal appeal is exhausted
Section 1983 cases - ANSWER When officials have deprived the
offender of some constitutional right or withheld some benefit to which
the citizen is entitled. Offenders can collect money damages and
lawyers' fees from the government.
Cooper v. Pate - ANSWER Prisoners are entitled Civil Rights Act of
1871 and may challenge in federal courts the conditions of their
confinement.
Ruiz v. Estelle - ANSWER 1980 federal court decision that declared the
Texas prison system to be unconstitutional (overcrowding, understaffing,
and poor conditions and services). A class action suit called for a series
of reforms.
Lamar v. Coffield - ANSWER prohibited racial segregation
Guajardo v. Estelle - ANSWER TDC cannot deny inmates the right to
correspond with inmates to correspond on legal matters
Holt v. Hobbs - ANSWER hair
Who has the most influence for positive change to offenders - ANSWER
co
Offends right to legal matters - ANSWER access to courts, legal
counsel, public officials, communication with their consulae
Offenders have the right to State Counsel with one exception... -
ANSWER When the are suing the state
