On Tuesday evening, President Barack Obama spoke to thousands of NAACP members about the need to reform the U.S. criminal justice system.
One of the main issues that local lawyers agreed on was the use of solitary confinement. They said Obama was correct that this practice should be further examined to prevent mental problems for those imprisoned.
Abaza said one of his clients, who was convicted of murder, suffered greatly because of the practice.
“I saw a marked change in his personality, it was definitely detrimental to his mental health,” he said. “I understand the need for solitary confinement, but I’ve seen it, and it’s devastating.”
