Inmate Disciplinary Infractions 2

Question 1

Before a disciplinary hearing, an inmate is generally entitled to written notice of the charges at least how many hours in advance?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

Under Wolff v. McDonnell, an inmate must receive written notice of the charges at least 24 hours before the disciplinary hearing.

Question 2

What standard of evidence is required to find an inmate guilty at a prison disciplinary hearing?

Accepted Answer

Some evidence in the record

Answer

Superintendent v. Hill established that prison disciplinary findings need only be supported by 'some evidence.'

Question 3

Possession of a homemade weapon, such as a 'shank,' is typically classified as which severity of infraction?

Accepted Answer

A high-severity (Class A) violation

Answer

Weapon possession threatens institutional safety and is treated as one of the most serious, high-severity infractions.

Question 4

Which document records the staff member's account of an alleged rule violation and starts the disciplinary process?

Accepted Answer

An incident or disciplinary report

Answer

An incident or disciplinary report written by staff formally initiates the disciplinary process against an inmate.

Question 5

An inmate refuses a direct, lawful order from an officer to return to his cell. This is best categorized as:

Accepted Answer

Disobeying a direct order

Answer

Refusing a lawful order from staff is a distinct infraction commonly charged as disobeying a direct order.

Inmate Practice Test