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Challenging Pretrial Detention Practices in Maryland

Butler v. Prince George’s County et al. (previously Frazier v. PG County et al.)

In 2022, CRC and partners filed a class action lawsuit challenging Prince George’s County’s pretrial detention practices. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that PG County and its officials violate Plaintiffs’ rights under the United States and Maryland Constitutions by detaining people pretrial without meeting the substantive and procedural standards required for pretrial detention. Plaintiffs also seek a preliminary and permanent injunction requiring PG County to immediately halt its illegal practices, as well as money damages for every day of unconstitutional detention for each member of the Plaintiff class.


Media Coverage:

U.S. judge ordered to rethink ruling on Prince George’s pretrial system | Washington Post | Nov 18, 2023
Editorial Board: As inmates languish, Prince George’s County judges turn a blind eye | Washington Post | July 24, 2022
Judges ordered their release from jail. They weren’t let out, lawsuit says. | Washington Post | July 20, 2022


Partners:

WilmerHale
Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection


Filings:

Complaint (July 19, 2022)