AQS Inmate Call

Anthony discusses the public's misconceptions of incarcerated individuals.Securus identification: DOC 335988

This conversation delves into the harrowing experiences of Shailen Altus, who recounts a childhood marked by abuse and neglect. Raised by a mother who exploited her and an uncle who violated her trust, Shailen's story reveals the complexities of dysfunctional relationships and the impact of trauma. The discussion highlights a pivotal moment in her life that led to a tragic incident, resulting in legal consequences and a long journey towards understanding and healing. Shailen's reflections emphasize the importance of speaking the truth and seeking support in the face of adversity.

In this episode, host Joel Wilborn reads a letter from Deborah Canady, an inmate at the Washington Correction Center for Women, who shares her harrowing experience of wrongful conviction. She discusses the convoluted nature of laws, the corruption within the legal system, and her personal story of being wrongfully convicted of murder. Canady highlights the manipulative use of circumstantial evidence, the challenges faced in appealing her conviction, and the systemic issues that lead to wrongful convictions, ultimately calling for awareness and advocacy against such injustices.

This episode explores the untapped resources represented by the incarcerated population in the United States. Yakima County Jail has introduced Crime Stoppers playing cards to inmates, aiming to crack unsolved cases. Incarcerated individuals hold a wealth of information that can be pivotal in solving crimes and imparting knowledge that could prevent future offenses. It is imperative that the penal system upholds the rights of these individuals and sets a precedent for recognizing their value and potential post-release.

In this podcast, Greg Brown delves into the intricacies of a lawsuit he filed against prison officials for prohibiting inmates from conversing in the prison law library and removing self-help law books. Brown cites a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, which established that once an institution decides to provide access to certain materials, it cannot arbitrarily remove them without a valid justification. Drawing parallels between schools and prisons, Brown argues that the same principle applies to correctional facilities. He emphasizes the significance of legal resources for prisoners, despite their lack of formal legal training, as they are held to the same standards as attorneys in Washington state courts. Brown highlights a series of court cases that underscore this expectation, dating back to the 1980s. He contends that the removal of books and the ban on communication in the law library were deliberate attempts to stifle prisoner litigation.