Arizona Sheriff Defies Superior Court
Maricopa County, AZ -- Internationally known for unorthodox practices, such as forcing inmates serving jail terms for drunk driving to perform public burials of alcoholics in pink attire, Sheriff Joe Arpaio attempted to trim $900,000 from the correctional system budget by reducing attorney's visitation time to hours between 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
Deciding on a motion filed in County Superior Court by lawyers, psychologists, and other legal advocates, Judge Anna Baca ruled that the new visiting hours interfere with an inmate's constitutional right to legal consul and appeals, further noting that the unusually early hours would force hurried and shortened visits, violating an equality clause provided within the United States' and Arizona's State Constitution.
Due to take effect today, Mr. Arpaio has commented that he will not comply with Baca's ruling--despite denial of an earlier attempt to have a stay placed on the ruling until the case can be heard by the Arizona Court of Appeals
In the interim, Baca has issued a temporary order mandating the hours be restored and that both parties mediate while the appeal pends.
Judge Baca has not commented on actions her court will take if the Sheriff's office does not comply.