California Inmates Get Class Certification for Sanitation Claims

A group of current and former inmates who alleged they had to clean their dirty cells and showers without proper sanitation supplies was granted conditional class certification by a California federal court.

In its second motion, the proposed class sought certification of an insufficient food subclass; a deficient sanitation subclass; and a deprivation of medical care subclass.

Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, of the US District Court for the Northern District of California, said Tuesday that the inmates of Santa Rita Jail met the commonality requirement for the inadequate sanitation subclass.

The inmates’ “allegations regarding inadequate sanitation reflect systemic issues ...