Interview: Attorney John Boston (Spring 2023)

In this interview, attorney John Boston discusses several lawsuits challenging jail and prison conditions in New York City and the State of New York that he worked on during his tenure at The Legal Aid Society's Prisoners' Rights Project. These lawsuits addressed overcrowding, health care, violence, educational services, and other conditions of confinement issues. Attorney Boston reflects on lessons learned through this advocacy, including various pathways to reform and the interplay between legislation, like the Prison Litigation Reform Act, and litigation. 

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Attorney Boston discusses Prisoners' Rights Project cases including: Rhem v. Malcolm and  Benjamin v. Horn, which addressed overcrowding and conditions of confinement in New York City's jails; Vega v. Ward, regarding access to healthcare on Rikers Island; Inmates of NY with HIV v. Cuomo, seeking health care for people with HIV/AIDS in the state's prisons; Dumont v. Coughlin, challenging state prison mail censorship; Handberry v. Thompson, regarding education for young people in prison; Disability Advocates, Inc., v. New York State Office of Mental Health, seeking adequate mental health care in state prisons; Todaro v. Ward, seeking adequate medical care in state prisons; and Nunez and United States v. City of New York, addressing violence in the City's detention facilities.