A federal judge in Chicago has ruled that a ban against inmates reading newspapers at one of the nation's largest jails violates First Amendment protections.
Judge Matthew Kennelly's written opinion says Cook County Jail has some legitimate concerns, including that inmates could roll newspapers up for use as weapons. But he says the no-exceptions ban goes too far and so violates inmates' rights.
The 20-page ruling notes the jail does permit books and even magazines. The newspaper ban has been in place for 30 years because jail administrators argue they pose unique problems.
But Kennelly says the jail can find alternatives that address security worries. He says papers could be made available only at the jail library, for instance.
The ruling was posted Monday in a civil lawsuit.
