South African jail inmates won the right to use laptops in cells for schoolwork. The top court ruled that stopping prisoners from having computers hurts their education rights. Judges said good learning needs proper tools like books and digital devices. The court found that a 2007 rule against cell laptops was against the law.
Prison officials must change their rules within a year. Until then, any inmate taking classes can keep a computer, but guards may check it at any time. The machines must not have internet access. The case started new talks about helping prisoners learn skills. Rights groups like the decision because it helps inmates prepare for life after jail.
Prison officials must change their rules within a year. Until then, any inmate taking classes can keep a computer, but guards may check it at any time. The machines must not have internet access. The case started new talks about helping prisoners learn skills. Rights groups like the decision because it helps inmates prepare for life after jail.
