Fletcher Casey, Jr., on Behalf of Themselves and All Others Similarly Situated v. Samuel A. Lewis, Director, Arizona Department of Corrections

Defendants-AppeUants Samuel A. Lewis, Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, et al., appeal the district court’s order finding that Plaintiffs-Appellees Fletcher Casey Jr., et al., prisoners incarcerated in facilities of the Arizona Department of Corrections, were unconstitutionally denied meaningful access to the courts. Defendants also appeal the district court’s issuance of a permanent injunction requiring the Arizona Department of Corrections to implement a-plan to ensure prisoners meaningful access to the courts. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1291 and 1292(a)(1). We AFFIRM in part, and VACATE and REMAND in part.

BACKGROUND

The Arizona Department of Corrections (“ADOC”) operates nine prison facilities located within the State of Arizona. The total male inmate population as of January 22, 1992 was 14,424 and the total female inmate population was 922. On January 12, 1990, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 , twenty-two prisoners filed this class action in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, claiming, inter alia, that prison officials unconstitutionally denied them meaningful access to the courts. The certified class consists of all…