Inmates Sue Over Holiday Tunes Lawsuits Claim Tradition Is Cruel, Unusual Punishment
PHOENIX -- Maricopa County jails will play Christmas music and holiday hymns throughout the season, continuing an annual tradition despite multiple lawsuits filed to prevent it, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has announced in a news release.
The music is played all day in all jails and includes songs and melodies from all countries and faiths in many languages, KPHO-TV in Phoenix reported.In years past, Sheriff Joe Arpaio has personally chosen some of the songs and performers featured, including tunes from Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Bing Crosby and Doctor Demento."People everywhere deserve a little Christmas cheer," Arpaio explained in 2008. "Especially those incarcerated during the holiday season."According to the news release, inmates have filed six lawsuits over Arpaio's policy, claiming cruel and unusual punishment and forced participation in religious celebrations. Four of those lawsuits have been dismissed, and the sheriff's office said it expects the courts to dismiss the remaining two.About 8,000 people are incarcerated in Maricopa County Jails, the sheriff's office said.
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