The ADX is designed to meet agency goals for operating a maximum-security prison while complying with all relevant legal guidelines. As the inmates of ADX demonstrate good conduct and adjust to imprisonment, they progress to less restrictive units and are ultimately transferred to an open population, high-security institution. The nine units in the facility include the control unit, special housing unit, general population units, intermediate unit, transitional unit, and pretransfer unit. Generally, inmates enter ADX as a result of behavior problems they encountered in another institution, rather than as a result of the crime they committed. The facility's physical design meets its goals of closer supervision, greater physical security, and enhanced control of the inmate population. The most critical design feature that maximizes security and control is the degree to which each unit and cell is self-contained. ADX was also designed keeping in mind issues that frequently arise in litigation, i.e., access to legal materials and counsel, sensory deprivation, social isolation, lack of rehabilitation, and psychological damage. 11 references