Connecticut Senate Bill SB00327

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Frivolous Court Actions Filed By Inmates.

Impact

If enacted, SB00327 would impose a financial responsibility on inmates who engage in frivolous litigation. This could have significant implications for the way that inmates approach the legal system. Proponents of the bill argue that it will deter inmates from filing unmeritorious claims, ultimately preserving judicial resources for legitimate cases and reducing the burden on the court system. The bill measures are presented as an effort to reform how legal actions are initiated by those in correctional facilities, promoting accountability and responsible use of legal resources.

Summary

Bill SB00327 aims to address the issue of frivolous court actions filed by inmates within the correctional system. It proposes amendments to the general statutes to enable courts to order inmates to reimburse defendants for court costs should they file court actions deemed frivolous. The legislation is positioned as a measure to prevent misuse of the judicial system and to discourage inmates from pursuing baseless claims, often directed against victims or individuals involved in their cases.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB00327 may bring to light the complexities of access to justice for inmates, as critics might argue that the bill could inadvertently hinder legitimate claims made by inmates who lack legal knowledge or resources. Concerns have been raised that penalizing inmates for filing claims could discourage them from seeking justice or relief when they genuinely have a case. Additionally, the definition of what constitutes a 'frivolous' lawsuit could be contentious and subject to interpretation, which might lead to inconsistent applications of the law.