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Lawyers Sue To Get Inside Michigan Prisons

Posted: 5:53 AM May 31, 2012
Reporter: The Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Lawyers are suing to get into Michigan prisons.
They say the state Corrections Department is limiting their ability to meet with inmates by requiring attorneys to come during regular visiting hours. Wardens can make exceptions, but the lawsuit says it rarely happens.
The lawsuit, filed this week in federal court in Detroit, asks that lawyers be allowed to see inmates on any day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Attorneys say it's very difficult to travel around the state and meet prisoners if hours are restricted. They say it violates their constitutional rights.
Prisons spokesman Russ Marlan won't comment on the lawsuit. But he says the department has cut back on visiting hours even for relatives as a way to save money.