Alabama prison homicide rates are 600% above the state average. The state spent $57 million defending these conditions in court while paying $4.4 million to victims.
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Call Your Representative
U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Here's what to say:
- I'm calling about the federal lawsuit against Alabama's prison system.
- Alabama spent $57 million on lawyers defending unconstitutional prison conditions. Homicide rates inside are 600% above the state average.
- 76% of prison lawsuits filed since 2020 involved excessive force by corrections officers. The DOJ found Eighth Amendment violations.
- I want my representative to support federal intervention and oversight of Alabama's prison system.
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Write Your Own Letter
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Dear [Senator/Representative name],
I am writing as a constituent from [city, state] about demand accountability for alabama prison violence.
Alabama spent $57 million on lawyers defending unconstitutional prison conditions. Homicide rates inside are 600% above the state average.
76% of prison lawsuits filed since 2020 involved excessive force by corrections officers. The DOJ found Eighth Amendment violations.
The facts support this: $57 million Legal costs Alabama spent defending its prison system against the DOJ. 600% How much higher prison homicide rates are compared to Alabama's state average. 94 of 124 Lawsuits filed 2020-2024 that involved excessive force by officers. $42 million Paid to one law firm (Butler Snow) to defend the prison system.
I am asking you to take a public position on this issue and act accordingly. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
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Key Facts to Mention
Use these in your letter, call, email, or social post.
- $57 million Legal costs Alabama spent defending its prison system against the DOJ
- 600% How much higher prison homicide rates are compared to Alabama's state average
- 94 of 124 Lawsuits filed 2020-2024 that involved excessive force by officers
- $42 million Paid to one law firm (Butler Snow) to defend the prison system
Preview the full letter
Alabama has spent more than $57 million in legal fees defending its prison system against the Department of Justice. $42 million of that went to a single law firm. During the same period, the state paid just $4.4 million to victims of violence and abuse. That is $13 spent on lawyers for every $1 paid to people who were harmed.
The numbers inside the prisons are worse. Homicide rates run 600% above the state average. Between 2020 and 2024, 124 lawsuits were filed. 94 of them involved excessive force by corrections officers. The DOJ sued Alabama in 2020 after documenting conditions that violate the Eighth Amendment. The trial is scheduled for April 2026.
Tell your representatives that spending public money to defend unconstitutional conditions is not governance. It is complicity. Support federal oversight of Alabama's prison system and demand that the DOJ case moves forward without further delay.
This action is part of our Civil Rights coverage.