the pursuit of justice doesn’t stop at the prison gates. In fact,⁣ for those seeking to appeal a conviction, it intensifies. But at New Jersey State Prison, a facility dating back to⁢ 1835, that⁢ pursuit is being severely hampered – not by legal complexities, ​but ​by technological ⁢obsolescence.Inmates attempting ⁣to navigate the appeals process are forced to rely on technology that was nearing extinction more than a decade ago: the 3.5-inch floppy disk.

The problem isn’t a lack of need for ‌legal documentation. attorneys routinely send crucial trial transcripts and legal briefs digitally, often on flash drives. however, flash drives are prohibited within the ‍prison ‍walls. The only⁢ approved method for accessing this vital information is through a‍ cumbersome process: requesting permission to review the materials in a designated, private section of the prison ⁢law library