Federal Judge Holds NYC in Contempt Over Rikers Island Conditions, Plans Receivership

Judge Laura Taylor Swain finds NYC in contempt for worsening jail conditions; plans for federal oversight ordered by January 2025.

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Federal court finds NYC in contempt for conditions at notorious prison

The Independent

New York City found in contempt over conditions in city jails

The Guardian

Federal judge tells New York City to brace for takeover of Rikers after contempt finding

Reason

Judge finds New York City in contempt over jail conditions, moves closer to a federal takeover

The Independent

Judge finds New York City in contempt over jail conditions, moves closer to a federal takeover

Associated Press

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain found NYC in contempt for worsening conditions at Rikers Island, citing increases in violence and deaths. Swain's ruling highlighted failures to comply with existing court orders and criticized the Department of Corrections' leadership. She ordered the drafting of a plan for federal receivership, aiming for reforms to ensure inmate safety, as the DOC's efforts since a 2015 consent decree have proven inadequate.

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