A review of the historical background of prisoners' rights encompasses the development of prisons, the 'hands-off' doctrine, the application of the Bill of Rights to the States, the scope of prisoners' rights, burden of proof, and the cost of remedies. The discussion of the right of access to courts addresses the availability of legal resources and inmate personal access to legal proceedings. Topics include access to inmate assistance, attorneys, paralegals and law students, law libraries, transcripts, and writing implements. Issues related to post-conviction remedies are examined. An examination of inmate rights under the Bill of Rights addresses inmate correspondence, communication, and visitation; religious freedom; privacy and related issues; discrimination under the equal protection clause; and cruel and unusual punishment. Other prisoners' rights issues considered are prison labor; disciplinary proceedings; and inmate classification, transfers, and detainers. A supplement includes decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court through its 1985-86 term which pertain to prisoners' rights. Appendixes contain relevant statutes, rules, and standards. 10 tables and subject index.