Locate a publication called "Challenging the Conditions of Prisons and Jails: A Report on Section 1983 Litigation," and answer the following questions. The report may be located by visiting the Bureau of Justice Statistics Web site at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/welcome.html, or it may be available in the government documents section of your university library.

1			How was the research on Section 1983 lawsuits for this report conducted?
2			Find your state on Table 1. How many Section 1983 lawsuits were filed in your state in 1991? What was the rate per 1000 prisoners?
3			The central conclusion of this study was that “there are important gradations in Section 1983 litigation.” What does this statement mean?
4			According to the report, “courts must balance prisoners’ constitutional rights against the fundamental interests of prison and jails.” What are the three “fundamental interests” identified?
5			According to Table 3, what are the top three most common issues raised by inmates in Section 1983 lawsuits?
6			Table 4 describes the manner of disposition of Section 1983 lawsuits. What does "disposition" mean in this context? What percentage of cases actually make it all the way to a trial verdict?
7			Inmates are not entitled to legal counsel in Section 1983 lawsuits—explain why.
8			Although inmates occasionally “win” Section 1983 lawsuits, and occasionally receive monetary rewards, these awards are typically smaller than the multi-million dollar awards that are publicized in the media. What are the two reasons for the disparity between what usually happens and what is reported in the press?