Your Rights as a Prisoner
Prisoners retain all civil rights that are not expressly or impliedly taken away by imprisonment (Raymond v Honey [1983]). This means you keep important rights including access to justice, healthcare, correspondence, and the right to be treated with dignity. The Prison Rules 1999 and the Prison Act 1952 set out the framework for prison life.
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Your Rights
Right to Legal Advice
You have the right to communicate confidentially with a solicitor. Legal correspondence is privileged and cannot be routinely opened or read by prison staff.
Right to Healthcare
You are entitled to the same quality of healthcare as you would receive in the community. Prison healthcare is now commissioned by NHS England. You can see a doctor, dentist, optician, and mental health services.
Right to Visits
You are entitled to at least one visit every two weeks (convicted prisoners) or daily visits (remand prisoners, subject to capacity). Children can visit. Enhanced status prisoners may receive additional visits.
Right to Complain
You can use the internal complaints system (complaint form). If not resolved, you can complain to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). You can also apply for judicial review of unlawful decisions.
Right to be Free from Torture and Inhuman Treatment
You have the right not to be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This includes protection from excessive use of force, prolonged solitary confinement, and inadequate conditions.
Right to Parole Consideration
If serving an indeterminate sentence (life or IPP), you are entitled to a parole board hearing once you have served your minimum term. The board must direct release if satisfied that detention is no longer necessary for public protection.
Common Myths
Prisoners have no rights
Prisoners retain all rights not expressly removed by imprisonment. The courts actively protect prisoners' residual rights, including access to justice, healthcare, and protection from inhuman treatment.
Prison staff can read all your mail
Legal correspondence with solicitors is privileged and cannot be routinely opened or read. General correspondence may be monitored, but only under specific policies and not arbitrarily.
You can't challenge prison decisions
You can use the internal complaints system, complain to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, and apply for judicial review in the High Court.
What To Do
Use the Internal Complaints System
Complete a complaint form (available on every wing). You should receive a response within a set timeframe. If unsatisfied, escalate to the next level.
Contact the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
If internal complaints do not resolve the issue, write to the PPO. The PPO investigates complaints from prisoners about their treatment and conditions.
Seek Legal Advice
Contact a solicitor specialising in prison law. Legal aid may be available for certain prison law matters, including parole proceedings and challenges to disciplinary decisions.
Key Legislation
- Prison Act 1952
- Prison Rules 1999
- Criminal Justice Act 2003
- Human Rights Act 1998
Useful Contacts
Frequently asked questions
- Do I keep my civil rights while in prison?
- Prisoners retain all civil rights not expressly or impliedly taken away by imprisonment. This includes access to justice, healthcare, correspondence, and the right to be treated with dignity. The Prison Rules 1999 and the Prison Act 1952 provide the legal framework for these rights, ensuring that detention does not strip individuals of fundamental protections.
- What healthcare can I expect to receive in prison?
- You are entitled to the same quality of healthcare as you would receive in the community. Prison healthcare is commissioned by NHS England, allowing you to access doctors, dentists, opticians, and mental health services. This right is protected under the Prison Act 1952 and the NHS Act 2006.
- How often can I receive visits in prison?
- Convicted prisoners are entitled to at least one visit every two weeks, while remand prisoners may receive daily visits, subject to capacity. Children are permitted to visit, and prisoners with enhanced status may receive additional visits. These provisions are set out in the Prison Rules 1999.
- Can prison staff read my letters?
- You have the right to communicate confidentially with a solicitor. Legal correspondence is privileged and cannot be routinely opened or read by prison staff. While general correspondence may be monitored under specific policies, it cannot be accessed arbitrarily. This protection is supported by the Prison Rules 1999 and case law.
- When can I apply for parole?
- If you are serving an indeterminate sentence, such as life or an IPP, you are entitled to a parole board hearing once you have served your minimum term. The board must direct release if satisfied that detention is no longer necessary for public protection. This right is protected under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and Article 5(4) of the ECHR.
- How do I complain about my treatment in prison?
- You can use the internal complaints system by completing a form available on every wing. If the issue is not resolved, you can complain to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). You may also apply for judicial review of unlawful decisions. The PPO is an independent body that investigates complaints about treatment and conditions.