Discrimination in Prisons

Prison Discrimination

Discrimination is when an individual is treated unfairly or in a negative manner as a result of one or more of a set of protected characteristics. Everyone has at least some of these characteristics and so the Equality Act of 2010 means that everyone is protected from being discriminated against.

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against an individual on the grounds of any of the following protected characteristics;

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

The Equality Act also distinguishes different types of discrimination; direct, indirect and dual discrimination.

Prisons are obliged to carry out all duties in accordance to the Equality Act and not discriminate against anyone as a result of any of the protected characteristics.

Disability discrimination does not only include physical disability but also mental health conditions and learning disabilities.

Our solicitors can advise on making a complaint against a prison regarding discrimination. As a result of certain time limits we urge clients to get in touch as soon as possible if they want to pursue a compensation claim for discrimination by prisons.

Duncan Lewis may be able to secure legal aid, or to offer a no win no fee arrangement for advising on prison discrimination cases and complaints – with competitively priced rates for privately funding a claim or After the Event (ATE) insurance, if either legal aid is unavailable or where a no win no fee basis is not possible.

For expert legal advice on actions against public authorities and prison discrimination, do not hesitate to call Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.