What legal rights do inmates still retain while incarcerated?

Inmates retain the right to medical care and protection against cruel punishment while incarcerated due to the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment has been interpreted by courts to mean that inmates are entitled to basic medical care and humane treatment while serving their sentences. This is rooted in the understanding that while individuals lose certain freedoms by being incarcerated, their fundamental human rights must still be respected and protected.

Access to medical care is considered a necessity, ensuring that inmates receive treatment for physical and mental health conditions. Additionally, protection against cruel punishment includes safeguarding inmates from inhumane treatment, excessive force, or degrading conditions. Such rights are crucial in maintaining a just correctional system that does not further inflict harm on those who are already serving a sentence.