Judge says New Jersey can force-feed inmate on hunger strike
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A judge ruled Thursday that New Jersey corrections officials can force-feed an inmate who has been on a hunger strike over a housing dispute and claims of civil rights abuses.
NJ.com (http://bit.ly/1TSlvR2) reported that state Superior Court Judge Walter Koprowski Jr. determined that the state's interest in preserving life trumps inmate William Lecuyer's rights to free speech and privacy.
The 37-year-old convict hasn't eaten since July, and prison doctors say his life is in danger. Lecuyer's diet has included only water, coffee and occasional meals of broth or protein drinks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Lecuyer testified that he's had no choice because the state's process for handling inmate grievances is useless.
The judge said the state can feed Lecuyer intravenously or through a tube inserted through his nose and into his stomach.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Information from: NJ Advance Media.