Prisoners seeking judicial review of disciplinary decisions face evidential and procedural difficulties. The authorities, in the prison setting, can too easily avoid the possibility of litigation by using informal disciplinary measures. Implementation of the Carlisle Committee's proposals to integrate release mechanisms would meet the criticism that remission and parole can interact to the detriment of the inmate. However, such reforms, even if combined with modification of the substantive rules, are merely cosmetic unless the Prior Committee's crucial proposals are fully taken up. 20 references, 2 tables, 4 figures. (Author abstract)