ACLU sues Ohio Parole Board over confidential letters from victims’ families in hearing process
Updated 3:36 PM;
CLEVELAND, Ohio Civil-rights advocates say the Ohio Parole Board unfairly allows confidential letters written by victims’ family members to play a role in the panel’s decisions on whether to grant prisoners parole.
As a result, inmates and their lawyers cannot challenge the letters or dispute their contents. Advocates say the practice hinders prisoners’ chances for release.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Ohio Justice & Policy Center filed suit Thursday against the board and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
The lawsuit cites the cases of two inmates convicted of murder whom the board initially deemed suitable for release. They later were rejected based on letters and information from the victims’ family members, according to the lawsuit.