Attorney Generals News Release

September 1, 1995

Nixon puts inmates on notice: new law targets frivolous lawsuits

Jefferson City, Mo. — If Attorney General Jay Nixon has his way, at least 16 Missouri inmates will be penalized under a new law targeting frivolous inmate lawsuits that went into effect this week.

Nixon sent letters to the inmates, notifying them of his intention to apply the law to suits they currently have on file. Under the law, inmates who abuse the legal system will lose their good behavior time as well as money from their prison spending accounts for each false claim filed.

“I am putting this group on notice immediately,” Nixon said. “Our initial review shows the cases filed by these inmates to be those most likely affected by the new law. I will request that the judge in each case use the full power of the new law to extend the time each inmate serves behind bars and to sanction their prison accounts.”

Nixon estimates that frivolous inmate lawsuits cost the state at least $1.9 million annually. He said the suits waste resources that could be better used to fight crime. “In addition to wasting valuable resources of time and money, these lawsuits contribute to the growing cynicism people feel toward government and the judicial system,” Nixon said.

Among the recipients of Nixon's letter are:

• An inmate who sued the prison superintendent after he claimed he injured his ankle while sliding into second base during a softball game.
• An inmate who sued because the prison law library didn't contain 19th Century volumes of the Supreme Court Reporter.
• An inmate who sued because the pieces of cake served in the prison cafeteria were too small.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818