Tag: private prisons

Tennessee Lawyer Sues over Federal Court Rule Cited to Limit Attorney Speech Under Threat of Contempt

Tom Pappert
Daniel Horowitz

Tennessee civil rights lawyer Daniel Horwitz is suing the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Tennessee over a 2022 gag order demanding he cease commenting publicly about a case or be held in contempt of court, arguing a rule cited by the federal court too broadly restricts attorney speech.

Horwitz, in a lawsuit first reported Tuesday by the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee University on Tuesday, accuses the federal court system in Middle Tennessee of creating and enforcing an unconstitutionally vague rule that specifically limits the speech of attorneys through its gag order enforcing local rule 83.04 in his lawsuits against CoreCivic, the Tennessee-based private prison company being sued by Horwitz in multiple lawsuits.

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U.S. Marshals Contract with Private Prison Ends, Inmates Have Nowhere to Go in Ohio

Peter D'Abrosca

President Joe Biden is facing his first hurdle in ending contracts with private prisons, a major campaign promise aimed at the progressive wing of the Democrat Party. 

“The Biden administration’s push to end contracts with private prisons has left federal authorities in Cleveland scrambling to find ways to house nearly 800 inmates,” according to a report by Cleveland.com.

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Community Pressures Tennessee State University President into Backing Out of CoreCivic Board

Corinne Murdock

After backlash from the community, Tennessee State University (TSU) President Dr. Glenda Glover reversed her decision to join CoreCivic’s board. Glover tweeted about the change suddenly, less than a day after CoreCivic had announced her appointment. Glover was expected to assume her position on March 1. In that press release, Glover had only positive things to say about the private prison company.

“Every single day, CoreCivic engages with thousands of individuals in educational programs who have the opportunity to positively change their lives,” stated Glover. “As I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the company, it’s clear to me that there is a genuine commitment to progress through innovative reentry programs, strong corporate governance, active public policy support and transparent ESG reporting. I look forward to being an inside voice that can help CoreCivic realize the full potential of its purpose of helping people prepare for the next step in their lives.”

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