Arizona Prison Oversight: The Urgent Need for Independent Reform

Arizona’s Mass Incarceration Crisis: The Evolution of Sentencing

Historical Policy Overview

Arizona’s incarceration policies have evolved through distinct eras, each marked by different laws and approaches to sentencing. This section traces three key epochs – “Copper Time”, the Old Code era (1977–1993), and the Truth in Sentencing era (1994–present) – and examines how legislation and voter initiatives during these periods fueled the growth of the prison population. We also compare crime rates and prison rates in each era to assess the effectiveness and consequences of these policies.

Access to Courts for Arizona State Inmates: A Comprehensive Analysis of Impediments and Challenges

Incarcerated individuals in the United States retain fundamental constitutional rights, including the right of access to the courts 1. This right, however, is not absolute and can be restricted by legitimate penological interests. In Arizona, state inmates face a myriad of unique difficulties and challenges when attempting to redress grievances and access the courts. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of these impediments, drawing on legal precedent, legislation, and empirical research to illuminate the complexities of this issue.