TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on May 21, 2020

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Memphis-based Just City are among several legal organizations bringing a federal class action lawsuit against the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, seeking the release of inmates most vulnerable to COVID-19, the Commercial Appeal reports. The lawsuit defines those most vulnerable as detainees over the age of 55 or those with previous medical conditions. This action comes after an announcement last month that nearly 200 inmates and staff tested positive at Memphis’ 201 Poplar Ave. facility. Shelby County officials have decreased the jail population by hundreds in recent months and District Attorney General Amy Weirich has worked to fast-track cases and says her office is dismissing many charges.