wolff mcdonnell argued april decided june respondent behalf inmates nebraska prison filed complaint damages injunctive relief alleged disciplinary proceedings prison violated due process inmate legal assistance program meet constitutional standards regulations governing inmates mail unconstitutionally restrictive evidentiary hearing district granted partial relief though rejecting respondent procedural due process claim held prison policy inspecting mail improper restrictions inmate legal assistance constitutionally defective appeals reversed respect due process claim holding procedural requirements outlined intervening decisions morrissey brewer gagnon scarpelli generally followed prison disciplinary hearings leaving specific requirements including circumstances counsel might required determined district remand appeals held preiser rodriguez forbade restoration credits suit ordered expunged prison records misconduct determinations reached proceedings comported due process generally affirmed district judgment respecting correspondence attorneys added additional prescriptions ordered proceedings determine whether state meeting burden johnson avery provide legal assistance prisoners duty found extend civil rights cases well habeas corpus proceedings nebraska disciplinary scheme forfeiture withholding credits confinement disciplinary cell provided serious misconduct deprivation privileges less serious misconduct establish misconduct preliminary conference held chief corrections supervisor charging party prisoner orally informed charge preliminarily discusses merits conduct report prepared hearing held prison disciplinary body adjustment committee composed three prison officials inmate ask questions charging party held though appeals correctly held restoration credits foreclosed preiser supra damages declaratory relief improper revocation credits cognizable provision pp prisoner wholly stripped constitutional protections though prison disciplinary proceedings implicate full panoply rights due defendant criminal prosecution proceedings must governed mutual accommodation institutional needs generally applicable constitutional requirements pp since prisoners nebraska lose credits guilty serious misconduct procedure determining whether misconduct occurred must observe certain minimal due process requirements though full range procedures mandated morrissey supra scarpelli supra parole probation revocation hearings consonant unique institutional environment therefore involving flexible approach reasonably accommodating interests inmates needs institution pp advance written notice charges must given disciplinary action inmate less hours appearance adjustment committee pp must written statement factfinders evidence relied reasons disciplinary action morrissey brewer supra pp inmate allowed call witnesses present documentary evidence defense permitting jeopardize institutional safety correctional goals pp inmate constitutional right confrontation prison disciplinary proceedings procedures current environment prison disruption remains serious concern discretionary prison officials pp inmates right retained appointed counsel proceedings although counsel substitutes provided certain cases pp record concluded adjustment committee sufficiently impartial satisfy due process requirements pp appeals erred holding due process requirements prison disciplinary proceedings applied retroactively requiring expunging prison records improper misconduct determinations morrissey supra pp state may constitutionally require mail attorney prisoner identified name address appear communication protection contraband authorities may open mail inmate presence lawyer desiring correspond prisoner may also required first identify client prison officials ensure letters marked privileged actually members bar restrictions mail procedure required courts disapproved pp district appeals suggested assess adequacy legal assistance available preparation civil rights actions applying standard johnson avery supra unless state provides reasonable alternative assist inmates preparation petitions relief inmates barred furnishing assistance pp white delivered opinion burger stewart blackmun powell rehnquist joined marshall filed opinion concurring part dissenting part brennan joined post douglas filed opinion dissenting part concurring result part post melvin kent kammerlohr assistant attorney general nebraska argued cause petitioners brief clarence meyer attorney general douglas duchek appointment argued cause respondent pro hac vice briefs robert plotkin solicitor general bork argued cause amicus curiae urging reversal brief assistant attorney general petersen deputy solicitor general frey gerald norton jerome feit briefs amici curiae urging reversal filed evelle younger attorney general pro se jack winkler chief assistant attorney general edward assistant attorney general eric collins harry allen april kestell wilkinson deputy attorneys general attorney general california william scott attorney general james zagel assistant attorney general state illinois briefs amici curiae urging affirmance filed chesterfield smith robert kutak american bar assn david gilman richard singer national council crime delinquency william hellerstein joel berger legal aid society new york alvin bronstein barbara milstein arpiar saunders national prison project william allen michael schlanger david weissbrodt inmates district columbia correctional complex justice white delivered opinion granted petition writ certiorari case raises important questions concerning administration state prison respondent behalf inmates nebraska penal correctional complex lincoln nebraska filed complaint challenging several practices rules regulations complex present purposes pertinent allegations disciplinary proceedings comply due process clause fourteenth amendment federal constitution inmate legal assistance program meet constitutional standards regulations governing inspection mail attorneys inmates unconstitutionally restrictive respondent requested damages injunctive relief evidentiary hearing district granted partial relief supp neb considering bound prior circuit authority rejected procedural due process claim went hold prison policy inspecting incoming outgoing mail attorneys violated prisoners rights access courts restrictions placed inmate legal assistance constitutionally defective appeals reversed respect due process claim holding procedural requirements outlined morrissey brewer gagnon scarpelli decided district opinion case generally followed prison disciplinary hearings left specific requirements including circumstances counsel might required determined district remand respect remedy held preiser rodriguez forbade actual restoration credits suit ordered expunged prison records determinations misconduct arrived proceedings failed comport due process defined generally affirmed judgment district respect correspondence attorneys ordered proceedings determine whether state meeting burden johnson avery provide legal assistance prison inmates holding state duty extended civil rights cases well habeas corpus proceedings begin due process claim understanding issues involved requires detailing prison disciplinary regime set nebraska statutes prison regulations section nebraska treatment corrections act amended neb rev stat cum supp provides chief executive officer penal facility responsible discipline inmates particular institution statute provides range possible disciplinary action except flagrant serious cases punishment misconduct shall consist deprivation privileges cases flagrant serious misconduct chief executive officer may order person reduction term provided section credit forfeited withheld also person confined disciplinary cell breach discipline entered person file together disposition punishment therefor statute makes clear basically two kinds punishment flagrant serious misconduct first forfeiture withholding credits affects term confinement second confinement disciplinary cell involves alteration conditions confinement misconduct less flagrant serious deprivation privileges results statutory provision establishing procedures imposition disciplinary sanctions pertains good time nebraska treatment corrections act amended neb rev stat cum supp merely requires inmate consulted regarding charges misconduct connection forfeiture withholding restoration credit prison authorities framed written regulations dealing procedures policies controlling inmate misconduct regulation misconduct classified two categories major misconduct serious violation must formally reported adjustment committee composed associate warden custody correctional industries superintendent reception center director committee directed review evaluate misconduct reports among things conduct investigations make findings impose disciplinary actions minor misconduct less serious violation involved problem may either resolved informally inmate supervisor formally reported action adjustment committee repeated minor misconduct must reported adjustment committee available wide range sanctions disciplinary action taken recommended may include necessarily limited following reprimand restrictions various kinds extra duty confinement adjustment center disciplinary cell withholding statutory good time extra earned good time combination elements listed herein additional procedures devised complex governing actions adjustment committee based testimony district found following procedures effect inmate written charged prison violation chief correction supervisor reviews inmates officers complex daily convict called conference chief correction supervisor charging party following conference conduct report sent adjustment committee follows hearing adjustment committee report read inmate discussed inmate denies charge may ask questions party writing adjustment committee conduct additional investigations desires punishment imposed ii class action brought respondent alleged rules practices procedures complex might result taking good time violated due process clause fourteenth amendment respondent sought three types relief restoration good time submission plan prison authorities hearing procedure connection withholding forfeiture good time complied requirements due process damages deprivation civil rights resulting use allegedly unconstitutional procedures threshold issue whether preiser rodriguez validity procedures depriving prisoners credits may considered civil rights suit brought preiser state prisoners brought suit seeking injunction compel restoration credits held state prisoners challenging fact duration confinement seeking speedier release sole federal remedy writ habeas corpus concomitant requirement exhausting state remedies careful point habeas corpus appropriate available remedy damages claims frivolous sufficient substance invoke jurisdiction federal pressed along suits challenging conditions confinement rather fact length custody complaint case sought restoration credits appeals correctly held relief foreclosed preiser complaint also sought damages preiser expressly contemplated claims properly brought go forward actual restoration credits sought state proceedings respondent damages claim therefore properly district required determination validity procedures employed imposing sanctions including loss good time flagrant serious misconduct declaratory judgment predicate damages award barred preiser case injunction restoring good time improperly taken foreclosed neither preclude litigant standing obtaining way ancillary relief otherwise proper injunction enjoining prospective enforcement invalid prison regulations therefore conclude proper appeals district determine validity procedures revoking credits fashion appropriate remedies constitutional violations ascertained short ordering actual restoration good time already canceled iii petitioners assert procedure disciplining prison inmates serious misconduct matter policy raising constitutional issue position implies prisoners state institutions wholly without protections constitution due process clause plainly untenable lawful imprisonment necessarily makes unavailable many rights privileges ordinary citizen retraction justified considerations underlying penal system price johnston though rights may diminished needs exigencies institutional environment prisoner wholly stripped constitutional protections imprisoned crime iron curtain drawn constitution prisons country prisoners held enjoy substantial religious freedom first fourteenth amendments cruz beto cooper pate retain right access courts younger gilmore gilmore lynch supp nd cal johnson avery ex parte hull prisoners protected equal protection clause fourteenth amendment invidious discrimination based race lee washington prisoners may also claim protections due process clause may deprived life liberty property without due process law haines kerner wilwording swenson screws course indicated fact prisoners retain rights due process clause way implies rights subject restrictions imposed nature regime lawfully committed cf csc letter carriers broadrick oklahoma parker levy prison disciplinary proceedings part criminal prosecution full panoply rights due defendant proceedings apply cf morrissey brewer sum must mutual accommodation institutional needs objectives provisions constitution general application also reject assertion state whatever may true due process clause general rights protected clause state infringement interest prisoners disciplinary procedures included liberty protected fourteenth amendment true constitution guarantee credit satisfactory behavior prison state provided statutory right good time also specifies forfeited serious misbehavior nebraska may authority create right shortened prison sentence accumulation credits good behavior true due process clause require hearing every conceivable case government impairment private interest cafeteria workers mcelroy state created right good time recognizing deprivation sanction authorized major misconduct prisoner interest real substance sufficiently embraced within fourteenth amendment liberty entitle minimum procedures appropriate circumstances required due process clause insure right arbitrarily abrogated thrust recent cases prison disciplinary context haines kerner supra state prisoner asserted denial due process steps leading disciplinary confinement reversed dismissal complaint failure state claim preiser rodriguez supra prisoner complained deprived credits without notice hearing without due process law considered claim proper subject federal habeas corpus proceeding analysis liberty parallels accepted due process analysis property consistently held kind hearing required time person finally deprived property interests committee mcgrath frankfurter concurring requirement kind hearing applies taking private property grannis ordean revocation licenses ruffalo operation state mechanisms one person seeks take property another jobs held absent cause termination board regents roth arnett kennedy powell concurring white concurring part dissenting part marshall dissenting cf stanley illinois bell burson think person liberty equally protected even liberty statutory creation state touchstone due process protection individual arbitrary action government dent west virginia since prisoners nebraska lose credits guilty serious misconduct determination whether behavior occurred becomes critical minimum requirements procedural due process appropriate circumstances must observed iv found district procedures employed preliminary conference chief corrections supervisor charging party prisoner informed misconduct charge engages preliminary discussion merits preparation conduct report hearing held adjustment committee disciplinary body prison report read inmate opportunity hearing ask questions charging party state contends procedures already provided adequate appeals held insufficient ordered due process requirements outlined morrissey scarpelli satisfied serious disciplinary cases prison morrissey held due process imposed certain minimum procedural requirements must satisfied parole finally revoked procedures written notice claimed violations parole disclosure parolee evidence opportunity heard person present witnesses documentary evidence right confront adverse witnesses unless hearing officer specifically finds good cause allowing confrontation neutral detached hearing body traditional parole board members need judicial officers lawyers written statement factfinders evidence relied reasons revoking parole agree neither petitioners appeals nebraska procedures respects constitutionally deficient procedures need respects followed disciplinary cases state prisons often repeated nature due process negates concept inflexible procedures universally applicable every imaginable situation cafeteria workers mcelroy onsideration procedures due process may require given set circumstances must begin determination precise nature government function involved well private interest affected governmental action ibid morrissey viewed light immediately apparent one automatically apply procedural rules designed free citizens open society parolees probationers limited restraints different situation presented disciplinary proceeding state prison revocation parole may deprive parolee conditional liberty nevertheless inflicts grievous loss parolee often others simply put revocation proceedings determine whether parolee free prison matter obvious great moment prison inmate deprivation good time immediate disaster revocation parole parolee deprivation likely work change conditions liberty postpone date eligibility parole extend maximum term served certain good time may restored even restored said certainty actual date parole affected parole occurs extension maximum term resulting loss good time may affect termination parole may even deprivation good time unquestionably matter considerable importance state reserves sanction serious misconduct unrealistically discount significance qualitatively quantitatively different revocation parole probation striking balance due process clause demands however think major consideration militating adopting full range procedures suggested morrissey alleged parole violators different stake state structure content prison disciplinary hearing revocation parole justified based accurate assessment facts critical matter state well parolee procedures determined whether conditions parole breached threaten important state interests parole officers police witnesses least case ordinary criminal trial prison disciplinary proceedings hand take place closed tightly controlled environment peopled chosen violate criminal law lawfully incarcerated first offenders many recidivists repeatedly employed illegal often violent means attain ends may little regard safety others property rules designed provide orderly reasonably safe prison life although many varieties prisons different degrees security must realize many inmates closely supervised activities controlled around clock guards inmates direct intimate contact tension unremitting frustration resentment despair commonplace relationships among inmates varied complex perhaps subject unwritten code exhorts inmates inform fellow prisoner background disciplinary proceedings must structured prison authorities background must make constitutional judgments realizing dealing maximum security institution well security considerations paramount reality disciplinary hearings imposition disagreeable sanctions necessarily involve confrontations inmates authority inmates disciplined charge furnish evidence retaliation much theoretical possibility basic unavoidable task providing reasonable personal safety guards inmates may stake say nothing impact disciplinary confrontations resulting escalation personal antagonisms important aims correctional process indeed pressed upon us proceedings ascertain sanction misconduct play major role furthering institutional goal modifying behavior value systems prison inmates sufficiently permit live within law released inevitably great range personality character among transgressed criminal law amenable suggestion persuasion others may incorrigible merely disrupt exploit disciplinary process ends rehabilitation may best achieved simulating procedures free society maximum possible extent others may essential discipline swift sure event argued great unwisdom encasing disciplinary procedures inflexible constitutional straitjacket necessarily call adversary proceedings typical criminal trial likely raise level confrontation staff inmate make difficult utilization disciplinary process tool advance rehabilitative goals institution consideration along necessity maintain acceptable level personal security institution must taken account examine detail nebraska procedures appeals found wanting two procedures held extended parolees facing revocation proceedings must provided prisoners nebraska complex minimum requirements procedural due process satisfied advance written notice claimed violation written statement factfinders evidence relied upon reasons disciplinary action taken described warden oral testimony basis district made findings inmate given oral notice charges least soon conference chief corrections supervisor charging party written record compiled report read inmate hearing adjustment committee charges discussed pursued indication inmate ever given written statement committee evidence informed writing otherwise reasons disciplinary action taken part function notice give charged party chance marshal facts defense clarify charges fact see gault neither functions performed notice described warden although charges discussed orally inmate somewhat advance hearing inmate sometimes brought adjustment committee shortly orally informed charges times initial discussion investigation takes place may reshape nature charges evidence relied upon instances procedures effect time trial appear inmate first receives notice actual charges time hearing adjustment committee hold written notice charges must given defendant order inform charges enable marshal facts prepare defense least brief period time notice less hours allowed inmate prepare appearance adjustment committee also hold must written statement factfinders evidence relied reasons disciplinary action morrissey although nebraska seem provide administrative review action taken adjustment committee actions taken proceedings may involve review bodies might furnish basis decision director corrections transfer inmate another institution considered incorrigible reason frequent intentional breaches discipline neb rev stat cum supp certainly likely considered state parole authorities making parole decisions written records proceedings thus protect inmate collateral consequences based misunderstanding nature original proceeding disciplinary action provision written record helps insure administrators faced possible scrutiny state officials public perhaps even courts fundamental constitutional rights may abridged act fairly without written records inmate severe disadvantage propounding cause defending others may occasions personal institutional safety implicated statement may properly exclude certain items evidence event statement indicate fact omission otherwise perceive conceivable rehabilitative objective prospect prison disruption flow requirement statements also opinion inmate facing disciplinary proceedings allowed call witnesses present documentary evidence defense permitting unduly hazardous institutional safety correctional goals ordinarily right present evidence basic fair hearing unrestricted right call witnesses prison population carries obvious potential disruption interference swift punishment individual cases may essential carrying correctional program institution ready exercise oversight put aside judgment prison administrators may individual threatened serious sanctions normally entitled present witnesses relevant documentary evidence must balance inmate interest avoiding loss good time needs prison amount flexibility accommodation required prison officials must necessary discretion keep hearing within reasonable limits refuse call witnesses may create risk reprisal undermine authority well limit access inmates collect statements compile documentary evidence although prescribe useful committee state reason refusing call witness whether irrelevance lack necessity hazards presented individual cases less flexible rule appears untenable constitutional matter least record made case operation correctional institution best extraordinarily difficult undertaking many prison officials spot responsibility safety inmates staff reluctant extend unqualified right call witnesses view must necessary discretion without subject unduly crippling constitutional impediments much play joints due process clause stop short imposing demanding rule respect witnesses documents confrontation present greater hazards institutional interests confrontation furnishing evidence inmate allowed matter course criminal trials considerable potential havoc inside prison walls proceedings inevitably longer tend unmanageability procedures essential criminal trials accused found guilty may subjected serious deprivations pointer texas person may lose job society greene mcelroy rights universally applicable hearings see arnett kennedy rules procedure may shaped consideration risks error winship harlan concurring arnett kennedy supra white concurring part dissenting part also shaped consequences follow adoption although seem allow disciplinary hearings apprised conditions procedure may curtailed appear confrontation generally required context think constitution read impose procedure present time adequate bases decision prison disciplinary cases arrived without perhaps problems penal institutions change correctional goals reshaped balance interests involved require otherwise current environment prison disruption remains serious concern administrators ignore desire effort many including nebraska federal government avoid situations may trigger deep emotions may scuttle disciplinary process rehabilitation vehicle extent american adversary trial presumes contestants able cope pressures aftermath battle may generally case prisons country least constitution interpret today require contrary assumption within limits set forth opinion content leave continuing development measures review adverse actions affecting inmates sound discretion corrections officials administering scope inquiries recognize problems potential disruption may differ depending inmate proposes proposes examine unknown fellow inmate danger may greatest since disclosure identity accuser follow may pose high risk reprisal within institution conversely inmate accuser might freely tell story privately prison officials may refuse testify admit knowledge situation question although dangers posed known inmate accusers guards may less resentment may persist confrontation may still substantial also even accuser adverse witness known disclosure third parties may pose problem may class cases facts closely disputed character parties minimizes dangers involved however constitutional rule tailored meet situations undoubtedly produce great litigation attendant costs much wider range cases last analysis even within narrow range cases interest balancing may well dictate courts faced assessment prison officials dangers involved limited basis upsetting judgments better course time period prison practices diverse somewhat experimental leave matters sound discretion officials state prisons right counsel problem outlined scarpelli respect parole probation revocation proceedings even pertinent introduction counsel revocation proceeding alter significantly nature proceeding counsel provided probationer parolee state turn normally provide counsel lawyers training disposition advocates bound professional duty present available evidence arguments support clients positions contest vigor adverse evidence views role hearing body aptly described morrissey predictive discretionary well factfinding may become akin judge trial less attuned rehabilitative needs individual probationer parolee greater role hearing body may less tolerant marginal deviant behavior feel pressure reincarcerate continue nonpunitive rehabilitation certainly decisionmaking process prolonged financial cost state appointed counsel counsel state longer record possibility judicial review insubstantial omitted illiterate inmate involved however complexity issue makes unlikely inmate able collect present evidence necessary adequate comprehension case free seek aid fellow inmate forbidden adequate substitute aid form help staff sufficiently competent inmate designated staff need pursue matter however claim respondent mcdonnell within class inmates entitled advice help others course prison disciplinary hearing finally decline rule adjustment committee conducts required hearings nebraska prison complex determines whether revoke good time sufficiently impartial satisfy due process clause committee made associate warden custody chairman correctional industries superintendent reception center director chief corrections supervisor refers cases committee investigation initial interview inmate involved committee left large unlimited discretion directed meet daily operate within principles stated controlling regulations among command ull consideration must given causes adverse behavior setting circumstances occurred man accountability correctional treatment goals well direction disciplinary measures taken times degrees necessary regulate control man behavior within acceptable limits never rendered capriciously nature retaliation revenge find warrant record presented concluding adjustment committee presents hazard arbitrary decisionmaking held violative due process law conclusion procedures specified morrissey scarpelli must accompany deprivation good time state prison authorities graven stone nature prison disciplinary process changes future years circumstances may exist require consideration reflection view however procedures required prison disciplinary proceedings represent reasonable accommodation interests inmates needs institution vi appeals held due process requirements prison disciplinary proceedings apply retroactively require prison records containing determinations misconduct accord required procedures expunged disagree reverse point question retroactivity new procedural rules affecting inquiries infractions prison discipline effectively foreclosed ruling morrissey due process requirements announced applicable future revocations parole emphasis supplied despite fact procedures related integrity factfinding process context disciplinary proceedings less generally stake individual criminal trial great weight given significant impact retroactivity ruling administration prisons country reliance prison officials placed good faith prior law requiring procedures federal government alone conducted misconduct hearings compared parole revocation hearings probation revocation hearings rules retroactive consideration burden federal state officials case fortiori also note contrary holding troublesome parole system since performance prison often relevant criterion parole whole think error pervasive system old procedures warrant cost result vii issue extent prison authorities open inspect incoming mail attorneys inmates considerably narrowed course litigation prison regulation challenge provided incoming outgoing mail read inspected exception made mail district held incoming mail attorneys might opened normal contraband detection techniques failed disclose contraband reasonable possibility contraband included mail held incoming letter marked privileged thus identifying attorney letter opened except presence inmate prison authorities read mail attorneys appeals affirmed district order placed additional restrictions prison authorities doubt letter actually attorney simple telephone call enough settle matter thus implying officials might go beyond face envelope privileged label ascertaining kind communication involved stated danger letter attorney officer contain contraband ordinarily remote speculative justify petitioners regulation permitting opening inspection legal mail ibid methods detect contraband employed letter opened appropriate circumstances presence inmate petitioners concede open read mail attorneys inmates contend may open letters attorneys long done presence prisoners narrow issue thus presented whether letters determined found attorneys may opened prison authorities presence inmate whether mail must delivered unopened normal detection techniques fail indicate contraband respondent asserts first sixth fourteenth amendment rights infringed procedure whereby state may open mail attorney even though presence even though may read begin constitutional status rights asserted applied situation far clear first amendment rights correspondents prisoners may protect censoring inmate mail necessary protect legitimate governmental interests see procunier martinez yet recognized first amendment rights prisoners context cf cruz beto cooper pate furthermore freedom censorship equivalent freedom inspection perusal sixth amendment reach protect relationship intrusion criminal setting see black see also coplon app claim insulate mail inspection whether related civil criminal matters finally fourteenth amendment due process claim based access courts ex parte hull johnson avery younger gilmore extended apply protecting ability inmate prepare petition complaint moreover even one accept argument inspection incoming mail attorney placed obstacle access far clear burden substantial one need decide however asserted rights operative question whether assuming constitutional right implicated infringed procedure found acceptable state view approach appeals unworkable none rights infringed procedures petitioners accept prison officials check case whether communication attorney opening inspection task administration imposed think entirely appropriate state require communications specially marked originating attorney name address given receive special treatment also certainly permissible prison authorities require lawyer desiring correspond prisoner first identify client prison officials assure letters marked privileged actually members bar ability open mail presence inmates way constitute censorship since mail read neither chill communications since inmate presence insures prison officials read mail possibility contraband enclosed letters even apparent attorneys surely warrants prison officials opening letters disagree appeals done appropriate circumstances since flexible test besides unworkable serves arguable purpose protecting possible constitutional rights enumerated respondent think petitioners acceding rule whereby inmate present mail attorneys inspected done perhaps even constitution requires viii last issue presented whether complex must make available made available adequate legal assistance johnson avery supra preparation habeas corpus petitions civil rights actions inmates issue arises context challenge regulation providing pertinent part legal work legal advisor appointed warden benefit offenders need legal assistance individual offender general knowledge law procedure attorney represent offender legal advisor permitted assist preparation legal documents unless specific written permission warden johnson avery inmate disciplined violating prison regulation prohibited inmates assisting prisoners preparing habeas corpus petitions held unless state provides reasonable alternative assist inmates preparation petitions relief inmates barred furnishing assistance emphasized writ habeas corpus fundamental importance constitutional scheme since basic purpose writ enable unlawfully incarcerated obtain freedom fundamental access prisoners courts purpose presenting complaints may denied obstructed following avery younger gilmore supra affirmed judgment required state officials provide indigent inmates access reasonably adequate law library preparation legal actions petitioners contend avery limited assistance preparation habeas corpus petitions disputes direction appeals district capacity inmate adviser assessed light demand assistance civil rights actions well preparation habeas petitions petitioners take narrow view decision first demarcation line civil rights actions habeas petitions always clear already recognized instances constitutional rights might redressed either form relief cf preiser rodriguez haines kerner wilwording swenson second true habeas actions may relief granted shorten term confinement preiser supra pertinent actions serve protect basic constitutional rights right access courts upon avery premised founded due process clause assures person denied opportunity present judiciary allegations concerning violations fundamental constitutional rights futile contend civil rights act less importance constitutional scheme great writ recognition prisoners certain constitutional rights protected civil rights actions diluted inmates often totally functionally illiterate unable articulate complaints courts although may additional burdens complex inmates may seek help inmates inmate adviser proves adequate habeas civil rights actions prove overwhelming present one inmate serves legal adviser may expected qualified inmates found assistance complex insists naming inmates help may sought finding reasonable distinction two forms actions affirm appeals point appeals suggested district assess adequacy legal assistance standard avery affirmed part reversed part remanded footnotes district also determined contrary state statutory provisions certain good time taken away violations flagrant serious within meaning controlling state statute see infra ordered good time restored offenses appeals affirmed holding though remedy see infra petitioners challenge holding certain issues originally contest litigation settled stipulation order district concerned matters processing inmate letters sentencing judges provision postage mail letters adequacy access prison library availability notary service others decided district trial taken appeal appeals issues included denial use typewriters inmates reprisals inmates petition courts number inmates use prison library one time length time spent library delay receiving mail censorship letters news media public officials limitations numbers letters written none issues raised issues raised appeals ruling district restrictions outgoing mail appeals found person allowed render legal assistance legal advisor warden allow prisoners consult inmates finding disagreed extent district challenged petitioners statutory provision provides full chief executive officer facility shall responsible discipline persons committed division corrections reside therein person shall punished except upon order chief executive officer facility shall punishment imposed otherwise accordance section except flagrant serious cases punishment misconduct shall consist deprivation privileges cases flagrant serious misconduct chief executive officer may order person reduction term provided section forfeited withheld also person confined disciplinary cell chief executive officer may order person part period disciplinary cell put adequate healthful diet person disciplinary cell shall visited least every eight hours cruel inhuman corporal punishment shall used person chief executive officer shall maintain record breaches discipline disposition case punishment breach breach discipline shall entered person file together disposition punishment therefor chief executive officer may recommend director corrections person considered incorrigible reason frequent intentional breaches discipline detrimental discipline morale facility transferred another facility stricter safekeeping closer confinement subject provisions section section neb rev stat cum supp provides allowance reduction good time chief executive officer facility shall reduce parole purposes good behavior faithful performance duties confined facility term committed offender follows two months first year two months second year three months third year four months succeeding year term pro rata part thereof less year addition especially meritorious behavior exceptional performance duties offender may receive reduction parole purposes exceed five days month imprisonment total reductions shall deducted minimum term determine date eligibility release parole maximum term determine date release parole becomes mandatory provisions section reductions terms may forfeited withheld restored chief executive officer facility offender consulted regarding charges misconduct reduction offender term especially meritorious behavior exceptional performance duties shall forfeited withheld offender released parole good time reductions sentence granted provisions law prior july may forfeited withheld restored accordance terms act certain changes made time suit brought related prior version provision neb rev stat important issues dispute determinations loss good time directly relevant receiving parole neb rev stat reductions reported considered parole authorities prison regulation prisoners may also earn blood time pertinent regulation provides anyone donates blood american red cross receives good time credits donations anyone age must warden approval may voluntarily give blood following scheduled months may august december red cross bloodmobile unit generally scheduled first full week months mentioned reduce sentence via board parole approval five days first donation ten days second donation fifteen days every donation thereafter receive disciplinary report average work report time donations credited five days next time donate blood red cross result disciplinary action record disclose specific sanctions employed complex general heading deprivation privileges regulations full policy interest discipline necessary inmates staff members maintain high standards behavior courtesy personal conduct policy institution administering discipline gain voluntary acceptance certain limitations inmate body discipline must realistically administered order maintain general welfare institution community conformance specified standards regulations time implementing treatment offender purpose set forth institutional policy procedures administration discipline insure disciplinary processes carried integral part total treatment program establish professional standards employees fulfilling responsibility standards conduct institution population kept informed orientation process written orders memorandums standards conduct expected becomes necessary regulate control man conformance prescribed standards disciplinary measures consistent treatment individual applied appropriate degree impersonal impartial manner misconduct major misconduct major misconduct serious violation reported formally adjustment committee misconduct report form detailed narrative minor misconduct minor misconduct less serious violation may resolved immediately informally inmate supervisor formally reported misconduct report form repeated minor misconduct formally reported misconduct reports preparation reporting misconduct misconduct report form report prepared carefully accurately describe events exactly happen accurate preparation misconduct report major contributing factor accurate evaluation misconduct adjustment committee initial statement report brief statement charge charges followed detailed report incident articles evidence always accompany report processing misconduct reports completed misconduct reports along articles evidence forwarded chief correction supervisor office investigation shift lieutenant conduct investigation note findings submit chief corrections supervisor chief corrections supervisor review report conduct additional investigation necessary interview shift lieutenant officer submitting report verify accuracy proper preparation report assemble information articles regarding misconduct report upon completion investigation information noted space provided misconduct report submitted chairman adjustment committee case may promptly scheduled committee hearing administration discipline administration discipline hereby delegated follows employees resolve immediately informally minor violations inmate observation supervision chief corrections supervisor initiate prompt investigation misconduct reports maintain control adverse situation inmate participants adjustment committee receive reports misconduct conduct hearings make findings impose disciplinary actions adjustment committee organization adjustment committee composed follows associate warden custody chairman correctional industries superintendent member reception center director member note adjustment committee responsible preparation meeting agenda recording distribution filing reports necessary institution requirements committee answer directly administrative assistant matters discipline adjustment investigations conducted relative daily processing misconduct reports committee functions adjustment committee meet daily office associate warden custody adjustment center required committee review evaluate misconduct reports underlying causes adverse behavior carefully consider possible courses action reaching decision disciplinary action cases treatment oriented committee authorized conduct investigations make findings impose disciplinary actions refer cases diagnosis recommend program changes take actions deemed necessary insure decision effectiveness committee concern institution policies procedures effect discipline strive maintain consistence actions continually evaluate effectiveness decisions appropriate committee maintain accurate records assure prompt proper completion required reports forms committee review week often progress inmates housed adjustment center initiate recommend program changes indicated committee document actions reviews program changes provide classification committee clear concise picture individual inmate adjustment adjustment committee actions general principles decisions recommendations committee result group consensus judgment full consideration must given causes adverse behavior setting circumstances occurred man accountability correctional treatment goals disciplinary measures taken times degrees necessary regulate control man behavior within acceptable limits never rendered capriciously nature retaliation revenge action taken soon occurrence circumstances permit work assignments program changes used disciplinary measures use corporal punishment strictly prohibited disciplinary action taken recommended may include necessarily limited following reprimand restrictions various kinds extra duty confinement adjustment center withholding statutory good time extra earned good time combination elements listed herein use segregation inmates may placed segregation one following reasons documentation either misconduct report form narrative must sent associate warden custody case insure immediate control supervision protect potential victims insure witnesses intimidation punishment major institutional infraction control whose violent emotions control insure safety safety others insure safety security institution demonstrated defiance personnel acting line duty willful refusal obey orders note inmates awaiting action adjustment committee routinely placed adjustment center unless one reasons evident man remain adjustment center longer necessary special care must taken insure unit become persistently fail solve problems adjustment committee conduct review week often cases adjustment center discipline consider possible treatment alternatives addition institution counselor maintain progress file confinement cases counselor responsibility maintain contact inmates housed segregation report progress lack progress adjustment committee progress reports prepared end month used tool determining action adjustment committee prisoner isolated solitary confinement appear two different types conditions may exposed may incarcerated alone usual disciplinary cell privileges severely limited long necessary may put dry cell unlike regular cells contains sink toilet warden testified great number cases resolved without contest many instances inmate admits guilt investigating officer prayer amended complaint asked djudicate rules practices procedures complex taking statutory prisoner good time inmates constitutes increase inmates sentence without due process law violation amendment xiv asked order defendants restore plaintiff robert mcdonnell amount good time taken rder defendants submit plan provided hearing procedure connection withholding forfeiture good time complies requirements due process sought damages sum deprivation various constitutional rights involved litigation necessarily including right due process one anticipate normal principles res judicata apply circumstances suggested appeals wholly excluded matter good time proceedings remand true opinion arguably ambiguous understand district remand determine validity procedures disciplinary hearings may result serious penalties including good time appropriate remedies fashioned short actual restoration good time see generally bandura principles behavior modification krasner ullmann research behavior modification skinner science human behavior see supra survey prison disciplinary practices procedures american bar association commission correctional facilities services reveals prison systems answering questionnaire provided written notice charges inmate survey shows systems responses make record hearings note though nebraska general matter allow adverse witnesses hearing adjustment committee inmate allowed ask charging party questions nature charges also allowed speak freely defense survey see supra discloses witnesses allowed systems responding survey also discloses even federal system allow certain limitations placed use procedure although complaint put issue procedures employed respect deprivation good time nebraska system procedures employed disciplinary confinement imposed deprivation good time imposition solitary confinement reserved instances serious misbehavior occurred appears realistic approach difficult purposes procedural due process distinguish procedures required good time forfeited must extended solitary confinement issue latter represents major change conditions confinement normally imposed claimed proved major act misconduct case good time minimum procedural safeguards hedge arbitrary determination factual predicate imposition sanction suggest however procedures required today decision deprivation good time also required imposition lesser penalties loss privileges courts appeals ruled procedures required prison disciplinary proceedings split two circuits required written notice advance clutchette procunier ex rel miller twomey two held oral notice sufficient meyers alldredge braxton carlson sostre mcginnis en banc cert denied sub nom oswald sostre ninth circuit clutchette procunier supra held written statement reasons written record proceedings must provided second third circuits held contrary braxton carlson supra sostre mcginnis supra two circuits held right present witnesses hearing braxton carlson supra sostre mcginnis supra one held must opportunity request calling witnesses ex rel miller twomey supra ninth circuit clutchette procunier supra held full power right inmate call witnesses two circuits stated due process require procedure braxton carlson supra sostre mcginnis supra first circuit held prison authorities already extended right confront witnesses reason force authorities call adverse witnesses inmate palmigiano baxter ninth circuit clutchette procunier supra held general right even case holds right may limited legitimate fear retribution result counsel two circuits held right even lay substitutes braxton carlson supra sostre mcginnis supra third circuit meyers alldredge supra held right counsel counsel substitute provided first circuit palmigiano baxter supra holds right retained counsel even staff assistant available ninth circuit clutchette procunier supra envisions sanctions disciplinary proceedings calling provision counsel determined counsel must provided prison rule violation may punishable state law impartial hearing board required extent member board may participate case investigating reviewing officer witness clutchette procunier supra braxton carlson supra ex rel miller twomey supra third circuit meyers alldredge supra also held context federal system prisoner whose good time taken away goes first disciplinary committee good time forfeiture board associate warden sit committees justice marshall justice brennan joins concurring part dissenting part join part viii opinion holding complex may prohibit inmates assisting one another preparation legal documents unless provides adequate alternative legal assistance preparation civil rights actions well petitions habeas corpus relief also agree result reached part vii opinion upholding inspection mail attorneys contraband opening letters presence inmate previously expressed view first amendment rights prisoners prohibit reading inmate mail see procunier martinez concurring opinion believe inmates rights counsel access courts also implicated see constitutional rights infringed significant extent mere inspection mail presence inmate disagreement majority disposition primary issue presented case extent procedural protections required due process clause fourteenth amendment prison disciplinary proceedings previously stated view prisoner shed basic constitutional rights prison gate fully support holding interest inmates freedom imposition serious discipline liberty entitled due process protection view content gives due process protection leaves noble holdings little empty promises sure holds inmates constitutionally entitled advance written notice charges statement evidence relied facts found reasons supporting disciplinary board decision apparently inmate also constitutionally entitled hearing opportunity speak defense valuable procedural safeguards mean moment denigrate importance purpose notice give accused opportunity prepare defense purpose hearing afford chance present defense today decision deprives accused inmate enforceable constitutional right procedural tools essential presentation meaningful defense makes required notice hearing formalities little utility without enforceable right call witnesses present documentary evidence accused inmate guaranteed right present defense beyond word without right confront adverse witnesses inmate afforded means challenge word accusers without procedures disciplinary board resolve disputed factual issues rational accurate way hearing thus amount little swearing contest side telling version facts indeed prisoner story subject tested contest seems obvious even wrongfully charged inmate invariably loser see justification refusal extend prisoners procedural safeguards every context found among minimum requirements due process morrissey brewer emphasis added opinion inmate facing disciplinary proceedings allowed call witnesses present documentary evidence defense permitting unduly hazardous institutional safety correctional goals ante since ordinarily business giving neighborly advice state correctional authorities think fair assume statement represents considered judgment constitution requires accused inmate permitted call defense witnesses present documentary evidence still hardly makes clear ends deferring discretion prison officials extent right recognized brother douglas demonstrates post practically unenforceable make clear accused inmate right present witnesses submit evidence defense constitutionally protected unnecessarily abridged judicially enforceable said last term rights fundamental accused present witnesses defense chambers mississippi right offer testimony witnesses compel attendance necessary plain terms right present defense right present defendant version facts well prosecution hearing body may decide truth lies washington texas see persuasive reason justify refusal afford basic right accused inmate majority cites possible interference swift punishment often reiterate due process clause recognizes higher values speed efficiency fuentes shevin surely brief prolongation disciplinary hearings required hear testimony witnesses reaching otherwise seem decision provides support whatever refusal give accused inmates right see obvious potential disruption majority relies upon context inmate right call defense witnesses even majority fear regard justified point must made clear accused prisoner right present witnesses constitutional rule needs prison security must accommodated within narrowly limited exception rule inmate right call witnesses course subject reasonable limitation disciplinary board prevent undue delay caused inmate calling numerous cumulative witnesses witnesses whose contributions marginal relevance right call particular witness also justifiably limited necessary protect confidential informant substantial risk reprisal agree much flexibility due process requirement view exceptions made constitutional rule must kept absolute minimum refusal permit witnesses justified writing disciplinary file rule majority finds useful inexplicably refuses prescribe ante prison authorities persist niggardly interpretation inmates right call witnesses must ultimately courts exercise great responsibility constitutional plan enforce fundamental constitutional right respect rights confrontation gulf majority opinion views much wider part disagreement appears stem majority view rights important thus surprisingly without citation authority justice white separate opinion arnett kennedy confrontation rights universally applicable hearings ante suggests procedures may essential situations serious deprivations like loss employment stake essential suppose majority considers loss job serious penalty imposition additional prison sentence record ranging months effective result withdrawal accumulated good time disagree respect seriousness deprivation involved importance rights decisions flatly reject view dispensability confrontation held almost every setting important decisions turn questions fact due process requires opportunity confront adverse witnesses goldberg kelly greene mcelroy found view confrontation must permitted whenever governmental action seriously injures individual reasonableness action depends fact findings one immutable principles jurisprudence immutable today see also arnett kennedy supra marshall dissenting chambers mississippi supra morrissey brewer gault surely confrontation crucial prison disciplinary context prison disciplinary proceedings invariably turn disputed questions fact see landman royster supp ed addition usual need reveal mistakes identity faulty perceptions cloudy memories significant potential abuse disciplinary process persons motivated malice vindictiveness intolerance prejudice jealousy greene mcelroy supra whether inmates seeking revenge prison guards seeking vindicate otherwise absolute power men control see also davis alaska see rational means resolving disputed questions fact without providing confrontation majority however denies accused prisoners basic constitutional rights leaves matters sound discretion prison officials since already know nebraska authorities least chosen exercise discretion necessarily puts stamp approval state failure provide confrontation see persuasive justification result cites concern administrative efficiency support holding proceedings inevitably longer tend unmanageability ante assume makeweights refuse believe deny fundamental rights reliance trivial easily handled concerns substantial problem permitting accused inmate demand confrontation adverse witnesses need preserve secrecy identity inmate informers protect danger reprisal well aware seriousness problem agree circumstances confidentiality must prevail accused right confrontation concern safety inmates justify wholesale denial right confront adverse witnesses clutchette procunier need keep identity informants confidential exist small percentage disciplinary cases whether inmates code otherwise disciplinary process rarely initiated fellow inmate almost invariably correctional officer see legitimate need keep confidential identity prison guard files charges inmate indeed nebraska like routinely informs accused prisoners identity correctional officer charging party already know relatively instances inmates press disciplinary charges accused inmate often knows identity accuser example accuser victim physical assault thus refuses enforce prisoners fundamental procedural rights legitimate concern secrecy must affect tiny fraction disciplinary cases surely permitting tail wag constitutional dog faced similar problem morrissey brewer supra nonetheless held parolee constitutional right confront adverse witnesses permitted exception made hearing officer determines informant subjected risk harm identity disclosed view approach appropriate aside problem preserving confidentiality inmate informers require confrontation known accusers whether inmates guards indeed even require adverse witnesses actually testify hearing yet chief justice recently observed principal means believability witness truth testimony tested davis alaska supra main essential purpose confrontation secure opponent opportunity see little basis refusal recognize accused inmate rights circumstances apparently accepts petitioners arguments danger produce hostility inmate guard inmate inmate eventually lead prison disruption guard inmate threaten guard traditional role absolute authority somehow weaken disciplinary process vehicle rehabilitation believe generalized speculative unsupported theories provide anything close adequate basis denying accused inmate right accusers state arguments immediately lose potential force observed nebraska already permits inmates question correctional officer charging party respect charges see ante moreover far greater weight correctional authority greater procedural fairness disciplinary proceedings including permitting confrontation enhance rather impair disciplinary process rehabilitative tool president commission law enforcement administration justice task force report corrections aba survey see landman royster time proved blind deference correctional officials real service judicial concern procedural regularity direct bearing upon maintenance institutional order orderly care decisions made prison authority intimately related level respect prisoners regard authority nothing corrosive fabric public institution prison feeling among contains treated unfairly palmigiano baxter significantly substantial majority permit confrontation prison disciplinary proceedings experience simply bear speculative fears nebraska authorities see aba survey vast majority observed noticeable effect prison security safety furthermore general agreement quality hearings upgraded inmate feelings powerlessness frustration relieved reported complaints theoretical problems suggested petitioners procedures time consuming slowed disciplinary process extent small costs bear achieve significant gains procedural fairness thus view recognize accused prisoner constitutional right confront adverse witnesses subject limited exception necessary protect identity confidential inmate informant mean permit disciplinary board rely written reports concerning charges prisoner rather think constitutional right sufficiently protected accused power compel attendance adverse witness story tested see clutchette procunier palmigiano baxter supra whenever right confront adverse witness denied accused require denial reasons noted writing record proceeding also hold found necessary restrict inmate right confrontation disciplinary board constitutional obligation call witness camera probe credibility rather accepting unchallenged otherwise unchallengeable word informer see ibid cf birzon king make clear unwarranted denial right confront adverse witnesses giving due deference judgment prison officials reasonable concerns inmate safety institutional order cause judicial intervention next turns question accused inmate right counsel quotes long passage decision last term gagnon scarpelli support conclusion appointed counsel need provided retained counsel need permitted prison disciplinary proceedings time seemingly forgets holding scarpelli fundamental fairness requires appointment counsel probation revocation parole revocation proceedings overlooks conclusion effectiveness rights guaranteed morrissey may circumstances depend use skills probationer parolee unlikely possess despite informal nature proceedings absence technical rules procedure evidence unskilled uneducated probationer parolee may well difficulty presenting version disputed set facts presentation requires examining witnesses offering dissecting complex documentary evidence view considerations think clear least serious disciplinary cases meeting scarpelli requirements see inmate seeks assistance preparation defense must constitutionally entitled although question fraught great difficulty agree inappropriate time hold assistance must provided appointed member bar considerable force argument counsel either side place disciplinary proceedings practical problems providing appointed counsel proceedings may well insurmountable controlling consideration belief light types questions likely arise prison discipline cases counsel substitutes able provide sufficiently effective assistance satisfy due process least already provide counsel substitutes aba survey reflecting nearly universal recognition inmates assistance preparation defense particularly disciplinary hearings become complex absolutely essential thus hold prisoner constitutionally entitled assistance competent fellow inmate correctional staff member institution chooses alternatives assistance law students aid preparation defense finally addresses question need impartial tribunal hear prison disciplinary cases recognized impartial decisionmaker fundamental requirement due process variety relevant situations see morrissey brewer goldberg kelly hold requirement fully applicable view constitutional impediment disciplinary board composed responsible prison officials like adjustment committee might well desirable persons outside prison system sitting disciplinary panels eliminate possibility subtle institutional pressures may affect outcome disciplinary cases avoid appearance unfairness view due process satisfied long member disciplinary board involved investigation prosecution particular case form personal involvement case see clutchette procunier ex rel miller twomey landman royster find impossible determine present record whether standard impartiality met leave question open district consideration remand thus conclusion appeals substantially correct holding minimum due process procedural requirements morrissey brewer applicable context prison disciplinary proceedings extent willing tolerate reduced procedural safeguards accused inmates facing serious punishment meet standards set opinion respectfully dissent defines liberty interest stake terms forfeiture good time disciplinary measure since loss good time issue case definition course quite appropriate lest anyone deceived narrowness definition think important note obviously liberty interest involved prison disciplinary proceedings protected due process indeed later observes due process requires procedural protection solitary confinement issue ante apparently holds inmates liberty protected due process whenever major change conditions confinement imposed punishment misconduct ibid agree see palmigiano baxter record case question presented respect presence retained counsel prison disciplinary proceedings think inappropriate reach decide important issue without benefit concrete factual situation issue arises reserve another day questions whether constitution requires inmate able afford counsel permitted bring counsel disciplinary hearing whether constitution allows state permit presence retained counsel counsel appointed indigents cf gagnon scarpelli justice douglas dissenting part concurring result part majority concedes prisoners persons within meaning fourteenth amendment requiring application certain due process safeguards prison disciplinary proceedings proceedings potential resulting prisoner loss good time placement solitary confinement ante majority finds prisoners denied right adverse witnesses sustains disciplinary board right rely secret evidence provided secret accusers reaching decision ground prison administration decide whether particular case danger retribution requires shielding particular witness identity deference prison officials majority holding prisoner must usually accorded right present witnesses behalf appears leave prisoner remedy prison board unduly restricts right name institutional safety respondent thus receives benefit constitutional rights due process fourteenth amendment extends persons view however threat substantial deprivation liberty within prison confines solitary confinement loss imposed upon respondent prisoner class full hearing due process safeguards agree solitary confinement deprivation requiring due process hearing imposition due process rights required whenever individual risks condemnation grievous loss morrissey brewer goldberg kelly joint refugee comm mcgrath frankfurter concurring thus due process required termination welfare benefits goldberg supra revocation parole probation morrissey supra gagnon scarpelli revocation driver license bell burson attachment wages sniadach family finance every prisoner liberty course circumscribed fact confinement interest limited liberty left substantial conviction crime render one nonperson whose rights subject whim prison administration therefore imposition serious punishment within prison system requires procedural safeguards course hearing need held prisoner subjected minor deprivation evening loss television privileges placement solitary confinement however category prisoners sometimes placed solitary punitive segregation months even years bryant harris sostre mcginnis adams carlson supp landman royster supp confinement inevitably results depriving prisoner privileges well ordinarily available general prison population lareau macdougall wright mcmann moreover notation prisoner file placed punitive confinement may seriously adverse effect eligibility parole risk emphasizes need prior due process safeguards clutchette procunier ii start presumption adverse witnesses confrontation one accusers essential rights always available absent special overriding considerations morrissey brewer supra held right confront adverse witnesses minimum requirement due process must accorded parolees facing revocation parole unless hearing officer specifically finds good cause allowing confrontation disciplinary cases turn issues fact right confront witnesses essential landman royster supra certain principles remained relatively immutable jurisprudence one governmental action seriously injures individual reasonableness action depends fact findings evidence used prove government case must disclosed individual opportunity show untrue important case documentary evidence even important evidence consists testimony individuals whose memory might faulty fact might perjurers persons motivated malice vindictiveness intolerance prejudice jealousy formalized protections requirements confrontation zealous protect rights erosion spoken criminal cases also types cases administrative regulatory actions scrutiny greene mcelroy majority also holds inmate facing disciplinary proceedings allowed call witnesses present documentary evidence defense permitting unduly hazardous institutional safety correctional goals ante yet conceding right present evidence basic fair hearing chooses leave matter discretion prison officials even required state reasons refusing prisoner right call witness although finds statement reasons useful ibid thus although acknowledges prisoner right appears leave means enforcing agrees holding disciplinary board must provide statement reasons ultimate determination merits ante written statement crucial provide basis review ensure board act fairly ante course even criminal trial right present one witnesses may limited trial judge finding evidence offered irrelevant incompetent needlessly repetitious certainly restrictions may apply prison setting judge makes ruling matter record may challenged appeal nebraska may provide channel administrative appeal board ruling fundamental requisite due process law opportunity heard goldberg kelly possibility must remain open judicial oversight rights confrontation must dissent holding prisoner exercise fundamental constitutional right left within unreviewable discretion prison authorities prisons beginning work way punitive heritage first american penitentiary established philadelphia contained individual cells solitary confinement hardened offenders tappan crime justice correction pennsylvania system prisoner continuously confined solitary communication forbidden exception religious advisors official visitors wilson crime punishment new york experimented approach found severe adopted instead compromise solution known auburn silent system inmates allowed work shops others day although strict rule silence returned solitary confinement night prisoners marched around military eyes cast ground violations rules resulted immediate infliction corporal punishment guards tappan supra although harsh treatment produced orderly prison came criticism inhumanity particular emphasis unfettered discretion guards impose punishment basis vague charges never subjected detached impartial evaluation introductory report code reform prison discipline printed livingston system penal law made progress since old tradition still lingers recently entire prison system one state held inhumane violation eighth amendment bar cruel unusual punishment holt sarver supp aff lesson learned courts blithely defer supposed expertise prison officials comes constitutional rights inmates prisoners often privileges revoked denied right access counsel sit solitary maximum security lose accrued good time basis single unreviewed report guard courts defer administrative discretion guard delegate final word reasonable prison practices central evil prison unreviewed administrative discretion granted poorly trained personnel deal directly prisoners hirschkop millemann unconstitutionality prison life rev insofar affirms judgment appeals concur result command due process clause fourteenth amendment compels dissent part judgment allowing prisoners continue deprived right confront accusers leaving right present witnesses behalf unreviewable discretion prison officials iii finally earlier term procunier martinez sidesteps issue first amendment rights prisoners send receive mail adhere views expressed brother marshall earlier term separate opinions procunier agree however prisoners first amendment rights violated inspection mail contraband long mail read inspection done prisoner presence assured privacy communications breached procedure adequately serve prison administration interest ensuring weapons drugs prohibited materials unlawfully introduced prison preserving prisoner first amendment right 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