[quote name='howaboutthat1' date='Jul 30 2008, 08:19 AM' post='417262
why should an inmate be provided free healthcare?
the answer is here...
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1976--
US Supreme Court set the STANDARDS FOR MEDICAL CARE FOR PRISONERS in "Estelle v Gamble," 1976.
(Done under conservative Burger Court).
a prisoner NOT medically treated constitutes a violation of his 8th amendment right-- "cruel and unusual punishment."
Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighth_Amendm...es_Constitution*********************************
Standard for Medical Care in Prisons - Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97 (1976)
Held: Deliberate indifference by prison personnel to a prisoner's serious illness or injury constitutes cruel and unusual punishment contravening the Eighth Amendment.
http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/cases/prisons/e...le_v_gamble.htmPS- the decision has been modified over the years.