v. 1. Prisoners' rights : historical background and general overview -- Prisoners' rights : overview of prisoner rights law -- The Eighth Amendment : solitary confinement, prevention of violence, protection against overcrowding, and provision of the necessities of life -- The Eighth Amendment : medical care -- Equal protection clause : discrimination issues -- v. 2. Communication and expression : speech in prison -- First Amendment rights : religion -- Prison labor -- Fourth Amendment rights : privacy and related issues -- Disciplinary proceedings -- v. 3. Classifications, transfers, and detainers -- Access to courts -- Visiting -- Personal correspondence : mail, telephone, email -- Access to the media -- Civil disabilities -- Prison litigation reform act and in forma pauperis proceedings --v. 4. Private prisons -- Appendices.