Rights Behind Bars works alongside incarcerated people to challenge the cruel and inhumane conditions of confinement through litigation and advocacy.
501(C)3 NONPROFIT
RBB litigates conditions of confinement cases at all levels of the Federal Court System on behalf of people in jails, prisons, and immigration detention centers across the United States.
104
FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT WINS
39
states Where RBB has represented clients
2019
FOUNDED in DC
Appellate representation
Affirmative litigation
Movement lawyering
public advocacy
How we work
Fighting for change in and out of court.
Every case is designed to win for our clients and shift the law for everyone behind bars.
Track-and-Intervene Appellate Representation
We track pro se cases in key issues and offer representation on appeal. As repeat players, we make strategic decisions to establish strong case law.
Movement-Led Affirmative Litigation
We bring targeted cases to highlight egregious practices and facilities, working alongside organizers to build movement power.
Public Advocacy
We work to educate the public and key decision-makers about harms that are enabled by the secrecy and isolation of jails, prisons, and detention centers.
Our Funders
Arnold Ventures
Vital Projects Fund
Skadden Foundation
case spotlight
Movement lawyering in action
California Coalition for Women Prisoners et al. v. Bureau of Prisons et al.
FCI Dublin was a federal women's prison where staff sexual abuse went unchecked for years. Survivors fought back. RBB and the Dublin Prison Solidarity Coalition helped them win — and helped change federal law.
Aug 2023
Class action filed
RBB and Dublin Prison Solidarity Coalition partners file a class-action lawsuit against the BOP on behalf of all people incarcerated at Dublin.
Apr 2024
Prison closed
Court certifies class and appoints the first outside monitor in BOP history. Ten days later, BOP closes FCI Dublin.
May 2024
Compassionate release
The presiding judge writes to fellow judges urging them to consider Dublin conditions in compassionate release decisions. Dozens of survivors are freed.
Jul 2024
Federal law changed
President Biden signs the Federal Prison Oversight Act — passed 392–2 in the House, unanimously in the Senate. FCI Dublin cited as the catalyst.
Dec 2024
Historic settlements
Class action and individual survivor lawsuits settled. 104 survivors receive $115M — the largest aggregate BOP settlement in history. Consent decree mandates ongoing independent oversight.
Part of a broader movement: Dublin Prison Solidarity Coalition →
Every incarcerated person deserves to be treated with dignity.
RBB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible. Every dollar funds litigation, advocacy, and systemic change.