Opinion ID: 1339555
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Bedding and Towels:

Text: The petitioners claim that they are not provided with sheets, pillows or pillowcases, that towels are provided only on a weekly basis and that blankets are not provided at all times. The respondents assert that the jail temperature is such that blankets are not needed although they are supplied and that sheets, pillows and pillowcases are not available because of an order of the State Fire Marshal and because the inmates may use the bedding to hang themselves. This latter argument, if sound, could be utilized to deny all clothing, towels or like material to inmates since such could be conceivably used for suicidal purposes. To our knowledge no court has accepted this argument but instead courts have required the furnishing of clean bedding and towels. E.g., Dawson, supra ; Goldsby v. Carnes, supra . We believe that the Fire Marshal's objections relate to the flammability of the bedding and its possible toxicity in the event it burned. If the respondents desire to contest this conclusion they may furnish further evidence on remand.