Re-instate Dannetta Johnsons Visitation Rights to see her Son

Christopher Young sits on Texas Deathrow, Polunsky Unit, Christopher has been on deathrow since february of 2006, but since 2008 his mother Dannetta Johnson, Christophers Grandfather, Leroy Benson, his Brother Tyrone Franklin, His cousin Kanisha Young, and Christophers friend Oleta Pine. Three of these individuals have never even been to this unit was barred from going to visit Christopher, reason that was given was security concerns, and that the familys phone number was found on one of the cell phones.

This not only infringes on inmate rights, but on the constitutional rights of the family and friends. They are being punished unjustly. Visits are non-contact. Because an inmate is in Deathrow, it does not separate him/her from the protections of the Constitution. The penalty for the crime he committed is imprisonment and so in this case the death sentence. Further abuses or punishments by prison officials and employees should be no part of their punishment.

When inmates visitation rights are concerned, the visitors rights are also implicated. Inmates do retain their Constitutional rights, and so do their visitors. Banning visits is against their Constitutional rights, It is a violation of the first Amendment rights to free association, and the eighth Amendment on cruel and unusual punishment.

There is a code of ethics by TDCJ for correctional officers which states the following:

Maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and impartiality.

Be firm, and consistent in the performance of my duties, without retribution, retaliation, harassment or abuse toward others.

Provide and support the provision of humane custody, supervision and care of offenders. Not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, geographic location or economic status.

This is the humane thing to do in a society as ours.