THE WOMEN'S HIGH SECURITY UNIT IN LEXINGTON, KY

Abstract

Under the laws of the United States, the government can imprison those convicted of crimes, and where there is evidence that a prisoner has posed a threat to security in previous institutions, can increase security. However, labeling a prisoner a security threat based solely on associations she had prior to conviction with organizations called "terrorist" by the government is unconstitutional. Prison officials may impose restrictions tailored to meet real threats to security, but may not impose restrictions based on a prisoner's political beliefs or associations, or based merely on speculation and conjecture.