ACLU Says Death Row Inmates 'Least Dangerous'

(Akron, Ohio) The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed papers with the U.S. District Court to stop state prison authorities from transferring Death Row inmates from Mansfield Correctional Institution to the Mahoning County super-max prison. Prison officials contend the move is being made to save money.

In opposition, ACLU lawyers stated that the move is in violation of a judge's order that requires a hearing for super-max inmates and that the super-max is "cruel and unusual" punishment. One lawyer, Staughton Lynd of Niles, stated that super-max prisons cause inmates to deteriorate mentally and the doors are solid metal. Another lawyer, Michael Benza of Cleveland, said, "These guys on Death Row are the least dangerous inmates."

Really?