From time to time there has been some discussion about the high cost
> of calls from correctional facilities
Related to Jack's initial inquiry, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals just ruled on the question of jail charges and surcharges. Gilmore v. Cty of Douglas, found online at
formatting link
Pamela Gilmore brought an action against the County of Douglas [Nebraska] under 42 U.S.C. 1983 alleging that the Douglas County Corrections Center (the DCCC) violated her Fourteenth Amendment equal protection rights by assessing her charges for collect telephone calls made to her from inmates in the facility. The district court concluded that Gilmore failed to state a cause of action and dismissed the complaint pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6).
The Court of Appeals affirme the district court.