Research

Scope and Content Note

Binders contain typewritten opinions of the State's attorney general on questions about the sentencing and confinement of prisoners and other legal issues relating to prisons.

Some of the opinions relate to cases of specific prisoners (although their names are not always given) and some to general issues, such as from where the authority of officers to do certain of their duties comes. The questions and opinions involved interpretations of the Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and other relevant laws. Most of the opinions were sent from the attorney general's office to the superintendent of state prisons (or Prison Department of Correction). There are also some opinions and correspondence sent to other agencies or persons (e.g. building contractors) in relation to prisons.