The representative plaintiffs brought a summary judgment motion in a class action on behalf of seriously mentally ill inmates placed in administrative segregation in federal penitentiaries.
The court found that administrative segregation is a form of solitary confinement that causes severe psychological harm to mentally ill inmates.
The court held that the Federal Government breached section 7 of the Charter due to an inadequate review process, and breached sections 7 and 12 by subjecting mentally ill inmates to prolonged administrative segregation (over 30 days involuntary or 60 days voluntary).
The court awarded $20 million in aggregate Charter damages for vindication and deterrence, to be used for structural changes or additional mental health resources.
