ACLU Files Lawsuit to Reduce Prison Population During COVID-19

The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin wants fewer inmates in the state’s prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The A-C-L-U filed a lawsuit to that effect today with the Wisconsin Supreme Court (Friday).  The organization claims that’s needed to avoid a dangerous outbreak that would further strain the state’s health care capacity and put public health at risk.  The suit was filed on behalf of two inmates with pre-existing conditions, defense lawyers, and Disability Rights Wisconsin.  It asks the high court to order Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Corrections to reduce the prison population to a level where social distancing is possible, with priority to the elderly and those with conditions that increase their risk of COVID-19 complications and death.