If you are representing yourself in a civil lawsuit, or looking for an attorney to assist you, the following references provide advice and contacts for pro se prisoner litigation. In addition, JDI’s Survivor Resource Guide [hyperlink to guide] provides a list of legal resources by state.

The Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook

Prepared by the National Lawyers Guild and the Center for Constitutional Rights, this handbook is intended for people filing federal civil rights actions for constitutional violations in prison. The handbook is available online at http://www.jailhouselaw.org/CCRNLGJHL.pdf

For a hard copy, please send $2 in stamps, check or money order to:

Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual

The Columbia Human Rights Law Review's Jailhouse Lawyer's Manual explains the rights of inmates, the Prison Litigation Reform Act, legal research, federal and New York procedural law, and other issues. While relevant to jurisdictions throughout the country, it is primarily geared toward New York prisoners. It is available on-line at http://hrlr.razummedia.com/ejlm.php, or for information about purchasing a copy, contact:

Prison Legal News

PLN is a monthly magazine on prison legal issues written and published by former prisoners. An annual subscription is $18 for inmates, $25 for non-incarcerated individuals, and $60 for lawyers. Contact:

Prison Legal News,
2400 NW 80th St. #148
Seattle, WA 98117

The entire magazine, along with back issues, is available on-line at

The Prisoners' Assistance Directory

Published by the ACLU’s National Prison Project, this directory lists local, state, national and international organizations that provide services to inmates and their families. It is available on-line at http://www.aclu.org/images/asset_upload_file139_33694.pdf.

Protecting Your Health & Safety: A Litigation Guide for Inmates

A manual by the Southern Poverty Law Center created for inmates who do not have the help of a lawyer. It is an overview of legal issues for prisoners, including the right to be protected from assault by other prisoners and the legal obligations of custody officials. “Protecting Your Health & Safety” also includes information on filing administrative complaints and lawsuits, and provides an introduction to trial procedure and terminology. Bound copies cost $10 and are available from Prison Legal News. Mail a request and check or money order payable to 'Prison Legal News' to: