Correctional case law promulgated by the Federal courts and standards composed by various influential organizations require jails to adopt procedures and policies that ensure jail compliance with inmates' constitutional rights. Jails must provide inmates with sufficient care and supervision to protect them from psychological and physical harm. Court enforcement of rules has included court orders and consent decrees. Civil suits has included court orders and consent decrees. Civil suits have been filed by inmates or their families to claim harm suffered as a direct result of insufficient inmate care. These suits are often successful. Many jail administrators continue to be ignorant of or to resist compliance with new jail rules and standards. Jail administrators must bring the philosophy and technology of jail management into compliance with current standards. Improvements can be achieved in even the most antiquated jails without new facilities or renovations. These can include on-the-job training, policy and procedure revisions, and better personnel management. Inmate programs can be developed with public and private resources. 18 references.