Beyond Bars Project
Empowering Justice Through Knowledge
THE LEGAL RESOURCE HUB
BEYOND BARS PROJECT
INTRODUCING – THE LEGAL RESOURCE HUB
Welcome to a community dedicated to justice, dignity, and real change for incarcerated people and their loved ones. We believe every person—no matter their circumstances—deserves access to legal information, support, and advocacy. Whether you’re navigating the system yourself or supporting someone inside, our Legal Resources Hub is here to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to defend your rights and demand better.
If this is your first time checking out our resources, take a few minutes to read our blog: Legal Research and How To Navigate It and Navigating Legal Resources.
CORE RIGHTS AND LEGAL ADVOCACY
Core Rights:
- Humane Conditions:Â Basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
- Cruel & Unusual Punishment:Â Freedom from inhumane treatment.
- Solitary confinement:Â Legal challenges for harmful isolation.
- Protection from Violence:Â Safety from staff or other prisoners.
- Medical & Mental Health Care:Â Right to necessary treatment.
- Access to Courts:Â Ability to challenge convictions or conditions.
- Due Process:Â Fair procedures in disciplinary actions.
- Freedom of Religion:Â Right to practice faith.
- Sexual Abuse Protection:Â Zero-tolerance for misconduct.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
The Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook is a guide for incarcerated individuals, helping them understand their legal rights and how to navigate the legal system to challenge prison conditions or rights violations.
This form allows prisoners to formally request their own government records. For example prison files and other documents so that you are aware of what information they have.
Popular Links and Downloads
Advocacy Organizations
Fillable and Printable Forms
- Federal Form: Complaint For Violations of Civil Rights – Prisoner
- Federal Form: Appearance Bond
- Habeas Corpus Federal Form
- Motion to Vacate, Set Aside or Correct Sentence – Federal
- In Forma Pauperis Form
- Application For Sentence Review
- Complaint Form for Public Defender Neglect
- Bail Reduction Request Template
Extra Resources
- How To Fill Out A Habeas Corpus
- Jailhouse Lawyers Handbook
- Gideon’s Promise (Training for public defenders)
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association (Systemic reform tools)
- Georgia Public Defender Council (State-level support)
- National Bail Fund Network (Bail assistance)
Supplemental Resources
Advocacy Organizations:
- Organizations and institutions advancing justice through research and policy.
- DOJ’s State Court Bench Book – Padilla compliance checklists.
- Brennan Center for Justice – Criminal justice analysis.
- Columbia Law School’s Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual – Guide for incarcerated individuals.
- Searchable Case Law Databases:
- CourtListener (Free Law Project) – Free federal & state court opinions.
- Justia – Free court opinions, statutes, rules.
- Legal Information Institute (LII) – Cornell Law School resources.
- Legal Encyclopedias:
- American Jurisprudence (Am. Jur.) – In-depth legal background.
- Corpus Juris Secundum (C.J.S.) – Comprehensive legal background.
- RECAP Archive – Free PACER documents.
- UCLA Law Library Guide: Prisoner Litigation – Prisoner litigation templates.
- Federal Judicial Center (FJC) – Problem-solving courts, judicial history.
- Federal Cases Integrated Database (FCID) – Sentencing data analysis.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Deportation risk advisories.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Maternal & Child Health:
- Emory University Doula Program – Supports incarcerated mothers during childbirth.
Peer & Advocacy Orgs (Family-Focused):
- National Incarceration Association (NIA): Guidance & resources for families. (Visit Site)
- RestoreHer: Advocacy & reentry for justice-impacted women. (Visit Site)
Faith & Community-Based Support (Family-Focused):
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church: Support & reentry housing for women. (Prison Ministry Page)