US Democracy(?)- The fate of more than 9,000 inmates languishing in California’s prisons is once again in the hands of US Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy

The fate of more than 9,000 inmates languishing in California’s prisons is once again in the hands of US Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy who will decide whether they must be released because of overcrowding.

Two years ago, in one of the largest prison release orders in US history, Kennedy spoke for a 5-4 majority affirming a three-judge panel that slammed the state for inaction as inmates were dying from a lack of proper medical care because of overcrowding.
California was ordered to cut its prison population to 137 percent of capacity within two years. The order meant that the state had to release or transfer up to 46,000 prisoners. So far 37,000 have been released.
California’s isolation units have also stoked controversy as thousands of inmates across state prisons staged a hunger strike earlier in July to protest their solitary confinement and inhumane conditions. Hundreds of inmates continue their protest for a third week.
Amnesty International has called on the US to end “punishing” California prison hunger strikers.
Amnesty International’s US researcher Angela Wright said: “Prisoners seeking an end to inhumane conditions should not be subjected to punitive measures for exercising their right to engage in peaceful protest.”
Wright added: “Prolonged isolation under conditions which can only be described as cruel and inhumane treatment is prohibited under international law.”