N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:4-3.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 10A:4-3.1 - Notification of inmates of their rights and responsibilities

(a) The following rights are found in the Handbook on Discipline that is provided to each inmate as part of reception into the Department of Corrections.

1. You have the right to be treated respectfully, impartially and fairly by all personnel.

2. You have the right to be informed of the rules, procedures and schedules concerning the operation of the correctional facility.

3. You have the right to freedom of religious affiliation and voluntary religious worship within the correctional facility.

4. You have the right to health care which includes nutritious meals, proper bedding and clothing, a laundry schedule for cleanliness of same, an opportunity to shower regularly, sufficient warmth, proper ventilation, fresh air, a regular exercise period, toilet articles and medical and dental treatment.

5. You have the right to correspond with and receive visits from family members, friends and other persons where there is no threat to security or order in keeping with the rules and schedules of the correctional facility.

6. You have the right to unrestricted and confidential access to the courts by correspondence.

7. You have the right to legal counsel from an attorney of your choice by interviews and correspondence. You have the right to receive help when it is available through a legal assistance program.

8. You have the right to participate in the use of law library reference materials to assist you in resolving legal problems.

9. You have the right to a wide range of reading material for educational purposes and for your own enjoyment.

10. You have the right to participate in counseling, education, vocational training, and employment as far as resources are available and in keeping with your interests, needs and abilities.

(b) The following responsibilities are found in the Handbook on Discipline that is provided to each inmate as a part of reception into the Department of Corrections.

1. You have the responsibility to treat others, both employees and inmates, respectfully, impartially and fairly.

2. You have the responsibility to know and abide by the rules, procedures and schedules concerning the operation of the correctional facility.

3. You have the responsibility to recognize and respect the rights of others to freedom of religious affiliation and voluntary religious worship within the correctional facility.

4. It is your responsibility to follow the laundry and shower schedules, to maintain neat and clean living quarters, to seek medical and dental care as you may need it, and not to waste food.

5. It is your responsibility to keep your living area and possessions free of contraband. Each inmate, regardless of housing assignment shall be responsible for contraband found within the confines of that living area.

6. It is your responsibility to conduct yourself properly during visits, to refuse to accept or pass contraband, and to comply with Department rules and State or Federal laws through your correspondence.

7. You have the responsibility to present honestly and fairly your petitions, questions and problems to the court.

8. It is your responsibility to use the services of an attorney honestly and fairly.

9. It is your responsibility to use the law library resources in keeping with the correctional facility procedures and schedule prescribed and to respect the rights of other inmates in the use of this legal material.

10. It is your responsibility to seek and utilize reading material for your personal benefit, without depriving others of their right to use same.

11. You have the responsibility to take advantage of activities (such as counseling, education, vocational training and employment) which may help you live a successful and law abiding life within the correctional facility and in the community. You will be expected to abide by the regulations governing the use of such activities.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:4-3.1

Administrative Correction: Responsibilities have been substantially amended.
See: 19 N.J.R. 1573(a).
Amended by R.1996 d.237, effective 5/20/1996.
See: 28 N.J.R. 1464(a), 28 N.J.R. 2555(b).
Petition for Rulemaking.
See: 32 N.J.R. 3499(a).
Amended by R.2006 d.398, effective 11/20/2006.
See: 38 N.J.R. 3121(a), 38 N.J.R. 4867(a).
In introductory paragraphs of (a) and (b), substituted "that" for "which"; inserted new (b)5; and recodified former (b)5 through (b)10 as (b)6 through (b)11.