CLEAJ Act​

Prison Reform 3850​

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THE CORE ISSUE

Incarcerated individuals are not free citizens navigating the system on their own. They are wards of the State. The State controls:

• Where they live
• What medical care they receive
• Their movement
• Their communication
• Their access to information

When the State assumes this level of control, it also assumes responsibility. But right now, that responsibility stops where accountability begins.

 

THE UNFAIR REALITY

When something goes wrong inside a correctional facility—whether it’s excessive force, medical neglect, or a violation of rights—incarcerated individuals must seek justice from within the very system that controls them. At the same time:

• Correctional staff are provided state-funded legal defense
• Incarcerated individuals are left to represent themselves or rely on limited, overburdened pro bono help

This creates a fundamental contradiction:

The State controls every aspect of an individual’s life—but takes no responsibility for ensuring they can challenge wrongdoing within that system.

 

A QUESTION OF RESPONSIBILITY

If the State chooses to fully control an individual’s life, then it must also ensure that individual has a real, meaningful ability to seek justice when harmed. Otherwise, “rights” exist in theory—but not in practice.

 

THE SOLUTION: THE CLEAJ ACT

The Correctional Legal Equity and Access to Justice Act (CLEAJ Act) restores balance by:

• Providing state-funded legal representation for incarcerated individuals with legitimate claims
• Creating an independent legal office (ILAO) to prevent bias and ensure fairness
• Covering necessary legal costs, including investigations and expert witnesses
• Guaranteeing equitable access to courts, evidence, and legal resources
• Including safeguards to prevent misuse and protect taxpayer funds

This is not about giving incarcerated individuals an advantage. It is about requiring the State to meet the responsibility that comes with total control.

 

WHY THIS MATTERS

Without legal support:

• Valid claims go unheard
• Misconduct goes unchallenged
• Accountability weakens
• Public trust erodes

Justice should not depend on whether someone has freedom, money, or access.

 

A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Families of incarcerated individuals see this imbalance firsthand.

 

When harm occurs, they are left trying to navigate a system that holds all the power—without the tools to uncover the truth or advocate effectively.

 

No one should be entirely controlled by a system and then denied a fair way to challenge it.

 
OUR DEMAND

We call on Virginia lawmakers to:

• Introduce and pass the CLEAJ Act
• Recognize that State control must come with State responsibility

Ensure justice is real—not theoretical—for those in custody

 

CALL TO ACTION

Sign This Petition if You Believe:

• If the State controls a person’s life, it must also protect their access to justice
• Accountability strengthens institutions
• Constitutional rights do not stop at incarceration

TAKE ACTION NOW

Sign and share to help bring fairness, accountability, and real justice into our correctional system.

 

@vanjones68

@repbobbyscott

@blklivesmatter

@congressionalblackcaucus

@nclrights