Protecting the Rights of Incarcerated Individuals in New Jersey: Smith & Schwartzstein LLC’s Ongoing Civil Rights Advocacy

Advocating for Constitutional Rights Under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act

Smith & Schwartzstein LLC remains committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory rights of incarcerated individuals throughout New Jersey and New York. Our civil rights practice includes representing inmates and their families in cases involving inadequate medical treatment, failures in supervision, and systemic violations occurring within jails and prisons.

In addition to federal claims brought under Section 1983, our firm routinely pursues remedies under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act (NJCRA), which provides powerful protections against government misconduct and unconstitutional conditions of confinement. To learn more about our civil rights work, please visit our Civil Rights & Constitutional Litigation page.

Experienced Representation in Jail and Prison Medical Indifference Cases

Attorney Andrew B. Smith has extensive experience litigating complex civil rights matters involving deliberate indifference by jail and prison medical staff. When correctional personnel disregard serious medical needs, such conduct may violate both federal constitutional standards and the protections afforded under the NJCRA.

Our firm conducts thorough investigations, evaluates facility policies and medical practices, and advocates for accountability through federal and state court proceedings. Read more about our litigation-focused approach on our About Our Firm page.

Recent Reporting on Medical Care Concerns at the Hudson County Jail

Recent reporting has highlighted new concerns regarding medical treatment at the Hudson County jail, including two tragic and untimely deaths. These issues underscore ongoing systemic challenges within correctional health care throughout New Jersey and raise potential claims under both Section 1983 and the New Jersey Civil Rights Act.

You may review the full article here: https://whyy.org/articles/new-jersey-jail-deaths-incarcerated-health-care/.

How the New Jersey Civil Rights Act Protects Incarcerated Individuals

The NJCRA provides state‑level protections that mirror—and in some cases expand upon—federal civil rights remedies. The statute allows individuals to seek relief when government actors, including correctional staff and contracted medical providers, violate rights secured under the New Jersey Constitution.

For inmates and families facing inadequate medical care, the NJCRA is often a critical tool for pursuing justice, securing transparency, and driving long‑needed institutional reforms within county jails and state correctional facilities.

Contact Smith & Schwartzstein LLC

If you or a loved one has experienced inadequate medical care or other violations of constitutional or statutory rights while in custody, our firm is available to help. We represent clients across New Jersey and New York from our Summit and New York City offices.

Please contact us to schedule a consultation:

• Phone: (908) 219-4457
• Contact Form: Submit an inquiry

To explore additional practice areas, visit our Practice Areas page.