The statute requires administrative exhaustion, limits attorney fees, imposes filing fee obligations, bars mental or emotional damages without physical injury, and screens complaints for frivolousness.
The three strikes provision restricts repeat filers.
Alternative Names:
PLRA|Prison Litigation Reform
Why it Matters?
Exhaustion is the most productive defense, since it is mandatory, applies to all inmate suits about prison conditions, and requires proper completion of every step in the grievance process rather than substantial compliance. Grievance records establish whether the requirement was satisfied. The physical injury requirement separately bars emotional damages claims, which eliminates a substantial component of many complaints.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is exhaustion the most productive defense?
What does the physical injury requirement bar?
