Resource: A Guide to the Frances Jalet-Cruz Papers, 1966-1986

By: The University of Texas at Austin

January 1, 1986

Center for American History,The University of Texas at Austin

Correspondence, legal documents, diaries, newspapers, clippings, and printed material documenting Frances Freeman Jalet-Cruz's activities as an attorney and activist for criminal justice and prison reform in Texas. The bulk of the material relates to Fred Cruz and his lengthy legal battle with the TDC over prisoner's rights. The papers contain case material on suits against the Texas Department of Corrections, the department's director Dr. George Beto, and his successor W.J. Estelle brought on behalf of Cruz and other inmates. The papers document the Dreyer v. Jalet suit brought by inmates against Jalet-Cruz. Additional information can be found on Ruiz et. al v. Estelle, the case which resulted in judicial-mandated reforms to the Texas prison system. The material also chronicles the conflicts Jalet-Cruz experienced with her employer Joshua Taylor, director of the Texas Legal Aid Clinic located in Dallas. Personal material on Jalet Cruz's family and early career is included.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/00348/cah-00348.html