What's happened
New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order blocking a law that would have banned solitary confinement in jails, just one day before it was set to take effect. The law aimed to limit the use of solitary confinement for inmates accused of breaking jail rules.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Mayor Eric Adams issued an emergency order blocking parts of the new law, citing safety concerns for staff and inmates. The New York Times reported that this decision follows a protracted battle between the mayor and the City Council, which had previously overridden his veto of the bill. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams criticized the mayor's actions as an 'abuse of power,' emphasizing the need for reform in the jail system. The Independent also highlighted that the law aimed to limit solitary confinement to four hours, with exceptions, to protect inmates from the psychological effects of isolation.
How we got here
The law, passed by the City Council in December 2023, aimed to restrict solitary confinement practices in New York City jails. Mayor Adams had previously vetoed the bill, citing safety concerns, but the Council overrode his veto in January 2024.
Common question
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