Prison Grievances: when to write, how to write

by Terri LeClercq, Greg Sorkin, Patrick Hubik (Illustrator)

Prison when to write, how to write (Captive Audiences Publishing, 2013). This entertaining and educational graphic novel teaches inmates how to think through a jail or prison problem and then write a grievance about it. Written with 5th-grade vocabulary and syntax, it engages readers with plot and character development. Grievances must conform to the stringent rules of the federal Prison Litigation Reform Act and the rules of particular jails or prison systems. This novel teachers those rules. It also warns against frivolous and malicious filings. Endorsed by Sister Helen (Dead Man Walking) and over 700 human and civil rights groups, this much-needed novel is priced just right--and needed right now.

66 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Bobby Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been arrested. Never been charged with a felony. Never spent a night in jail. And none of these are on my bucket list. Furthermore, I know no one who is currently behind bars, and I have never had a close relation or friend imprisoned. But if I had or did or planned to or unfortunately landed in that situation, I'd want a copy of Terri LeClercq's fascinating primer on prisoners' civil rights, Prison Grievances. Maybe two.

The first half is presented in comic-strip panels rather than in legal memorandum-style mumbo-jumbo. The second half contains checklists, worksheets and simple-to-follow instructions. It speaks directly in straightforward English to those who are trying to make sense of the criminal justice system.

Terri is not an attorney and is not dispensing legal advice. She's taught legal writing at the University of Texas at Austin for many years, and she believes passionately in prisoner rights. I hope you'll never need a book like this, but if you do, just know that it's available.

[Allegra Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I met Terri LeClercq - the top legal writing expert in the country according to many - when Terri had started working on this amazing project. Terri worked for at least 10 years to bring this project to the market. She worked on every facet of it and paid with her time and treasure - out of a deep devotion to clean up a messy process that hurts the entire prison system. Amazing world that both sides - the system and the prisoners see the need for this work. And it's a terrific book. This book is filled with authentic settings, well-drawn characters and wonderful layouts. The story is good too! And it has to be because the typical inmate has only a 5th grade education, so they need to be entertained.