91-25

Posted on Dec 11, 1991 in Formal Opinions

Opinion Letter No. 91-25
December 11, 1991
Department of Public Safety Clip File

A newspaper clippings binder compiled by the Department of Public Safety (PSD) must be made available for inspection and copying by inmates. However, the right to copy the clippings binder is subject to the payment of copying fees and the OIP lacks jurisdiction in the area of copying fees. Therefore, the OIP found that it could not assist inmates in obtaining free copies of the clippings binder as requested. Further, the OIP does not have the authority to require the PSD to maintain the binder in the Halawa Correctional Facility’s Law Library rather than the Recreational Library. Finally, the UIPA does not require the PSD to provide individual inmates with their own free copies of newspapers.

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