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U.S. Judge Orders Fulton County, Georgia, to Ease Jail Crowding

May 30, 2002

After two days of testimony in a lawsuit brought by HIV-positive inmates, US District Judge Marvin Shoob on Wednesday ordered Fulton County, Ga., to relieve jail overcrowding by releasing some inmates held on minor charges. A medical expert testified that chronic overcrowding contributes to the spread of communicable diseases to inmates with diminished immune systems. The jail was designed to house 1,700, but this week its population is about 2,200. Shoob said an estimated 80 inmates held on misdemeanor charges "should be released immediately." Attorney Stephen Bright, who represents the HIV-positive inmates, said Shoob's order will save the county money and improve medical conditions.


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Excerpted from:
Associated Press
05.29.02



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