Female Prisoners Case Study

While the movement for prisoner’s rights progressed, the male prisoners largely dominated this era (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). In fact, woman inmates had to rely on the courts to provide rights that men had already been awarded (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). A 1974 case in New Mexico showed female prisoners undoubtedly had mediocre programs and opportunities compared to males (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). The court said equal treatment for men and women was required even if the treatment was different (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). This had no bearing on other states or the federal system.

Then in 1977, North Dakota’s Supreme Court stated the lack of funds was no excuse for not providing equal treatment, and later this ruling was used