The federal district court for the Middle District of Louisiana granted a motion for class certification in an action challenging the constitutionality of conditions on the Farm Line at Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as “Angola.” The court characterized the complaint as alleging that incarcerated persons working on the Farm Line “are subject to a risk of increased physical harm due to their extensive and continued exposure to high temperatures and heat indices.” The complaint also includes allegations regarding the intensification of heat exposure due to climate change. The court certified two classes: (1) a “General Class” of all persons incarcerated at Angola who currently are or may in the future be assigned to the Farm Line and (2) an “ADA Subclass” comprising all persons incarcerated at Angola “who have disabilities that substantially limit one or more of their major life activities and who currently are, or may in the future be, assigned to the Farm Line.” Trial is set to proceed on February 3, 2026. 

Class action alleging that agricultural labor conditions at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Tunica, Louisiana violated incarcerated persons' constitutional rights.

Voice of the Experienced v. LeBlanc

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Louisiana Federal Court Certified Class for Constitutional Challenge to Farm Line Conditions at Louisiana State Penitentiary

Filed

United States of America

Louisiana

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Louisiana Federal Court Certified Class for Constitutional Challenge to Farm Line Conditions at Louisiana State Penitentiary

Risk

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Economic sector