Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/10pdf/09-1233.pdf
Page Number: 56.0

50 

BROWN v. PLATA 

Opinion of the Court 

for a three-judge court and materials sufficient to demon-
strate  that  the  requirements  of  subparagraph  (A)  have 
been met. 

“(D)  If  the  requirements  under  subparagraph  (A)  have 
been met, a Federal judge before whom a civil action with
respect to prison conditions is pending who believes that a
prison release order should be considered may sua sponte 
request the convening of a three-judge court to determine 
whether a prisoner release order should be entered. 

“(E) The three-judge court shall enter a prisoner release
order  only  if  the  court  finds  by  clear  and  convincing  evi-
dence that— 
  “(i)  crowding  is  the  primary  cause  of  the  violation  of  a 
Federal right; and

“(ii) no other relief will remedy the violation of the Fed-

eral right.

“(F)  Any  State  or  local  official  including  a  legislator  or 
unit of government whose jurisdiction or function includes 
the appropriation of funds for the construction, operation, 
or  maintenance  of  prison  facilities,  or  the  prosecution  or 
custody  of  persons  who  may  be  released  from,  or  not  ad-
mitted  to,  a  prison  as  a  result  of  a  prisoner  release  order 
shall have standing to oppose the imposition or continua-
tion in effect of such relief and to seek termination of such 
relief,  and  shall  have  the  right  to  intervene  in  any  pro-
ceeding relating to such relief. 
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. 

. 

. 

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(g) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section 

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“(4) the term “prisoner release order” includes any order, 
including  a  temporary  restraining  order  or  preliminary 
injunctive relief, that has the purpose or effect of reducing
or  limiting  the  prison  population,  or  that  directs  the  re-
lease from or nonadmission of prisoners to a prison . . . .”