In 1995, a federal court found that the mental health system operated by the California Department of Corrections was unconstitutional and that prison officials were deliberately indifferent to the needs of mentally ill inmates. All CDCR institutions are still being monitored by a court-appointed special master. The case is reported at 912 F.Supp. 1282 (E.D. Cal. 1995).

COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coleman court has issued orders regarding continued access to inpatient mental health care during the crisis, and has ordered CDCR to provide information regarding how it will protect class members who are particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19.