{"id":14835,"date":"2023-06-15T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prisonpolicy.org\/blog\/?p=14835"},"modified":"2026-04-30T15:10:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T19:10:33","slug":"prison_journalism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prisonpolicy.org\/blog\/2023\/06\/15\/prison_journalism\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking news from inside: How prisons suppress prison journalism"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nLast month, New York prison officials introduced a policy<\/a> to effectively suppress prison journalism. It went unnoticed for a few weeks until reporters at New York Focus caught wind of it. A righteous backlash ensued, forcing the department to rescind the policy<\/a> for the time being. \n<\/p>\n

\nThe incident left many people wondering: how common are restrictions on prison journalism?<\/span> Building on data compiled by the Prison Journalism Project<\/a>, we scoured handbooks, prison policies, and laws governing every corrections department in the U.S. to try and find out.\n<\/p>\n

\nWe found that while explicit bans on prison journalism are rare, a web of complex and vague policies make the practice extremely difficult and sometimes risky.\n<\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Table 1: Restrictions on journalism in prisons.<\/caption>\n
<\/th>\nExplicit ban on journalism<\/th>\nTotal ban on business and compensation<\/th>\nPartial ban on business and compensation<\/th>\nCensored correspondence with news media<\/th>\nPrivileged correspondence with news media<\/th>\nLinks<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Federal Bureau of Prisons<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/content\/pkg\/CFR-2012-title28-vol2\/pdf\/CFR-2012-title28-vol2-sec540-20.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/cfr\/text\/28\/540.14<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Alabama<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttp:\/\/www.doc.state.al.us\/docs\/AdminRegs\/AR439.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alaska<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/alaska\/22-AAC-05.525<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/alaska\/22-AAC-05.130<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/doc.alaska.gov\/pnp\/pdf\/808.02.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Arizona<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/corrections.az.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/policies\/900\/0914.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arkansas<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/media.ark.org\/doc\/Arkansas-Division-of-Correction-Inmate-Handbook-Revised-November-1-2022-Director-approved.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.cdcr.ca.gov\/regulations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/171\/2026\/03\/Annual_DOM.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colorado<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1pc4XM1kBW0O40qjXmUZiQx2oAo3FwSoO\/view<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1shc0GUkN0AxtkhVytDw-fOrA0a3XaC7H\/view<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Connecticut<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/-\/media\/DOC\/Pdf\/Ad\/ad1007pdf.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delaware<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/doc.delaware.gov\/assets\/documents\/policies\/policy_4-0.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Florida<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.flrules.org\/gateway\/RuleNo.asp?ID=33-602.207<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Georgia<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/rules.sos.ga.gov\/GAC\/125-3-5-.05?urlRedirected=yes&data=admin&lookingfor=125-3-5-.05<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/rules.sos.ga.gov\/GAC\/125-3-3-.03<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Hawaii<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/dps.hawaii.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/COR.15.02.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Idaho<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/forms-idoc.idaho.gov\/WebLink\/0\/edoc\/283201\/Mail%20Handling%20in%20Correctional%20Facilities.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Illinois<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.ilga.gov\/legislation\/ilcs\/ilcs4.asp?DocName=073000050HCh%2E+III+Art%2E+7&ActID=1999&ChapterID=55&SeqStart=11600000&SeqEnd=12800000<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/illinois\/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-20-SS-445.20<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Indiana<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.in.gov\/idoc\/files\/02-01-101-Off.-Personal-Property-9-1-2021.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.in.gov\/idoc\/files\/02-01-103-Correspondence-8-15-2022.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.in.gov\/idoc\/files\/02-01-116_Offender_Business_Activities_5-16-06.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Iowa<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.legis.iowa.gov\/docs\/iac\/agency\/08-01-2018.201.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kansas<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/kansas\/K-A-R-44-1-102<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/kansas\/K-A-R-44-7-108<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Kentucky<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/corrections.ky.gov\/About\/cpp\/Documents\/16\/CPP%2016.2%20-%208-11-21.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Louisiana<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.doa.la.gov\/media\/4eufbn5k\/22v01-15.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maine<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.maine.gov\/corrections\/sites\/maine.gov.corrections\/files\/inline-files\/Adopted%20Rule%20DETENTION%20AND%20CORRECTIONAL%20STANDARDS%20FOR%20MAINE%20COUNTIES%20AND%20MUNICIPALITIES_3.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/corrections\/sites\/maine.gov.corrections\/files\/inline-files\/39212241_0.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Maryland<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/maryland\/title-12\/subtitle-02\/chapter-12.02.20<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.mass.gov\/doc\/103-cmr-131-news-media-regulations\/download<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/doc\/103-cmr-464-educational-programs-outside-a-correctional-institution-work-release\/download<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Michigan<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/corrections\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/corrections\/Files\/Policy-Directives\/PDs-05-Institutional-Placement-and-Programs\/PD-0503-Programs-and-Leisure-Time-Activities\/05-03-118-Prisoner-Mail-effective-03-01-18.pdf?rev=df5171ef6b6b4039981fc9636f618c6d<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minnesota<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/policy.doc.mn.gov\/DOCPolicy\/<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mississippi<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.mdoc.ms.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/Misc\/Inmate%20Handbook%202023_0.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Missouri<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/doc.mo.gov\/sites\/doc\/files\/media\/pdf\/2019\/04\/Offender_Rulebook_REVISED_2019.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Montana<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/cor.mt.gov\/DataStatsContractsPoliciesProcedures\/Procedures\/MSP-Procedures\/3.3.4-Media-Access-to-Inmates.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/cor.mt.gov\/DataStatsContractsPoliciesProcedures\/Procedures\/MSP-Procedures\/3.3.6-Inmate-Mail.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Nebraska<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.corrections.nebraska.gov\/system\/files\/rules_reg_files\/205.01_2022_-_website.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Nevada<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/doc.nv.gov\/uploadedFiles\/docnvgov\/content\/About\/Administrative_Regulations\/AR 750 – 121713.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/doc.nv.gov\/uploadedFiles\/docnvgov\/content\/About\/Administrative_Regulations\/AR 722 Inmate Legal Access Final 11-15-16.pdf<\/a> <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

New Hampshire<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/new-hampshire\/title-Cor\/chapter-Cor-300\/part-Cor-314<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Jersey<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/regulations\/new-jersey\/N-J-A-C-10A-4-4-1<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Mexico<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.cd.nm.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/CD-090100.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.cd.nm.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/CD-151200-1.pdf<\/a> <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

New York<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/govt.westlaw.com\/nycrr\/Document\/I4ef2a6a9cd1711dda432a117e6e0f345?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/govt.westlaw.com\/nycrr\/Document\/I4ef2a691cd1711dda432a117e6e0f345?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

North Carolina<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/public.powerdms.com\/NCDAC\/tree\/documents\/2045236<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/public.powerdms.com\/NCDAC\/tree\/documents\/2045023<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

North Dakota<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.docr.nd.gov\/sites\/www\/files\/documents\/friends_family\/Facility_Handbook.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ohio<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/codes.ohio.gov\/ohio-administrative-code\/rule-5120-9-17<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/codes.ohio.gov\/ohio-administrative-code\/rule-5120-9-06<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/codes.ohio.gov\/ohio-administrative-code\/rule-5120-3-04<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Oklahoma<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/oklahoma.gov\/content\/dam\/ok\/en\/doc\/documents\/policy\/section-03\/op030117.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oregon<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/oregon.public.law\/rules\/oar_291-119-0015<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/secure.sos.state.or.us\/oard\/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=41402<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/secure.sos.state.or.us\/oard\/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=281238<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Pennsylvania<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.cor.pa.gov\/About%20Us\/Documents\/DOC%20Policies\/803%20Inmate%20Mail%20and%20Incoming%20Publications.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.cor.pa.gov\/About%20Us\/Documents\/DOC%20Policies\/009%20News%20Media%20Relations.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Rhode Island<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/doc.ri.gov\/news-info\/inmate-life.php<\/a> <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Carolina<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/doc.sc.gov\/sites\/doc\/files\/Documents\/policy\/PS-10-08.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Dakota<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/static.prisonpolicy.org\/scans\/SD_Offender_Correspondence_15D3.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/doc.sd.gov\/documents\/Inmate%20Living%20Guide4232021.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Tennessee<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/correction\/documents\/103-04.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/correction\/documents\/507-02.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Texas<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.tdcj.texas.gov\/documents\/policy\/BP0391.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.tdcj.texas.gov\/documents\/cid\/Disciplinary_Rules_and_Procedures_for_Offenders_English.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Utah<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/public.powerdms.com\/UtahDOC\/tree\/documents\/1760258<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/public.powerdms.com\/UtahDOC\/tree\/documents\/2060763<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Vermont<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/outside.vermont.gov\/dept\/DOC\/Policies\/Media%20Access%20Directive.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Virginia<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/vadoc.virginia.gov\/files\/operating-procedures\/020\/vadoc-op-022-1.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/vadoc.virginia.gov\/files\/operating-procedures\/800\/vadoc-op-803-1.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Washington<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/www.doc.wa.gov\/information\/policies\/default.aspx<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
West Virginia<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/code.wvlegislature.gov\/15A-4-7\/<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wisconsin<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/doc.wi.gov\/DepartmentPoliciesDAI\/3090052.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/doc.wi.gov\/DepartmentPoliciesDAI\/3090401.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/doc.wi.gov\/DepartmentPoliciesDAI\/3030004.pdf<\/a> <\/p>\n

https:\/\/doc.wi.gov\/DepartmentPoliciesDAI\/3000079.pdf<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Wyoming<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nX<\/td>\n<\/td>\nhttps:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1qOlxFgZYIY5N4pIarueO1HP1c9A04sCc\/view<\/a> <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TOTALS<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n19<\/td>\n46<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Chilling expression<\/h2>\n

\nPrisons don’t want you to know what happens inside. That’s what makes prison journalism so important. As more news outlets publish incarcerated journalists, more departments will consider policies to control what information makes it out into the world.\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Federal Bureau of Prisons is the only agency we found that explicitly forbids any incarcerated person from acting “as a reporter.” But they are not alone in suppressing prison journalism.\n<\/p>\n

\nFor starters, the standard prison practice of censoring and surveilling snail mail, electronic messages, phone calls, and video visits violates basic principles of free expression and privacy. These principles are central to a journalist’s ability to maintain sources, work closely with editors, and report the news without interference. Only 4 states — Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas — treat correspondence with the news media as “privileged communication,” meaning that letters between an incarcerated person and a media outlet cannot be opened or read by prison staff (although they may be searched in the presence of the incarcerated person for contraband).\n<\/p>\n

\nHowever, the other 46 states and the federal government maintain the right to read and censor communications with the media. These policies are broadly explained as important to maintaining “security and order” — a vague justification left to the discretion of prison officials.\n<\/p>\n

\nOther aspects of prison life, such as an incarcerated person’s limited ability to maintain property1<\/a><\/sup>, can also conflict with the practice of journalism. Papers, notes, books, and other materials that can be important to reporting are vulnerable to confiscation and destruction by prison officials during cell searches and transfers. Additionally, a lack of access to the internet and heavily restricted use of tablets and computers can make researching, writing, and editing much more difficult for journalists on the inside.\n<\/p>\n

Prohibitions on business and compensation<\/h2>\n

\nFourteen states prohibit imprisoned people from operating or engaging in a business, including being self employed, and from receiving compensation for their work. Even if an incarcerated person were to produce journalism for free, vague restrictions on ‘business activities’ are enough to threaten their work with media outlets.\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Prison journalism, free speech, and privacy rights<\/h2>\n
\n

The Supreme Court’s view on the rights of prison journalists<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\nUnfortunately, the speech and property rights of prison journalists are an open question.\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Supreme Court has largely blessed prison censorship in a pair of decisions known as Turner<\/i> and Martinez<\/i>. Turner<\/i> applies to incoming communications, permitting prisons to censor mail from the outside so long as it is “reasonably related to legitimate penological interests<\/a>.” Under the ruling in Martinez<\/i>, outgoing mail can be censored if doing so “furthers an important or substantial government interest<\/a>,” although it must be “no greater than is essential to the furtherance of that interest.” In both cases, that “interest” is determined through vague legal tests that, over time, have come to heavily favor prison administrators.2<\/a><\/sup>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhen it comes to property, the Supreme Court has pretty clearly ruled that incarcerated people do not have a right to privacy<\/a>. Prison officials are within their rights to destroy property so long as there is a “post deprivation remedy,” such as a procedure for incarcerated people to submit grievances.\n<\/p>\n

\nIt is perhaps most important to note that these protections can only really be enforced if they are brought to court. This is not a given. As we note in our report, “Slamming the Courthouse Door<\/a>,” the Prison Litigation Reform Act makes it extremely difficult for lawsuits initiated by incarcerated people to ever reach court, and reduces their likelihood of success if they do. This arrangement deters people in prison from filing complaints in the first place. The law requires courts to dismiss civil rights cases from incarcerated people for minor technical reasons before even reaching the case merits, requires incarcerated people to pay filing fees that low-income people on the outside are exempt from, makes it hard to find representation by sharply capping attorney fees, creates high barriers to settlement, and weakens the ability of courts to order changes to prison and jail policies.\n<\/p>\n

\nWhether an incarcerated person is the subject of, or a participant in, reporting, the risks they face can be serious: they can lose access to communications services and the commissary, they can be placed in solitary confinement, and they can lose good time credits that factor into their release.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nMost incarcerated people are only allowed to work in jobs that support prison operations, prison-approved work release programs, or prison industries. But 19 states allow people to work with outside businesses and organizations if they receive approval from the prison. In some rare cases, they may receive compensation for written work3<\/a><\/sup> or publish writing so long as it is not a regular column.4<\/a><\/sup>\n<\/p>\n

Prison journalism is essential work<\/h2>\n

\nFor as long as there have been prisons, the public has benefited greatly from the work of incarcerated journalists and sources. Much of what is known about incarceration comes from people who have been on the inside and have told their stories at great personal risk.\n<\/p>\n

\nIncarcerated journalists still face discrimination and rejection from media outlets, but there are some signs of change. Over the last decade, a growing movement of incarcerated journalists — some working with organizations like the Prison Journalism Project<\/a> and Empowerment Avenue<\/a>, others with prison newspapers like the San Quentin News<\/a> — have had their work published. This work is often used in countless investigations, lawsuits, policy reforms, and organizing efforts. This is great news for transparency, accountability, and change. Importantly, it also helps people build relationships and skill sets that can support them once they are released.\n<\/p>\n

\nThere are too many examples of excellent prison journalism to cite, but some examples include:\n<\/p>\n