Human Rights Institute at Arthur W. Diamond Law Library

The Human Rights Institute (HRI) at Columbia Law School, housed within the Arthur W. Diamond Law Library, is a pivotal center for human rights education, research, and advocacy. Established to foster a deeper understanding and advancement of human rights globally, the institute integrates comprehensive academic analysis with real-world applications. It serves as a bridge between human rights scholarship and practice, connecting students, academics, and practitioners.

Mission and Vision

The HRI is committed to advancing the understanding of human rights laws and principles. Its vision is to contribute significantly to human rights discourse, policy, and implementation globally. The institute's mission involves educating future human rights leaders, developing innovative approaches to human rights advocacy, and engaging in critical scholarship to address contemporary challenges in the field.

Educational Programs and Initiatives

Academic Courses and Clinics

The institute offers a range of courses and clinics focused on international human rights law. These programs provide students with practical experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing them for careers in human rights advocacy.

Fellowships and Internships

HRI provides fellowships and internships, offering students and recent graduates opportunities to work in human rights organizations worldwide, gaining hands-on experience in the field.

Research and Scholarship

The Human Rights Institute is at the forefront of human rights research. Faculty and scholars associated with the HRI regularly publish in leading academic journals, contributing to critical debates and policy discussions in international human rights law.

The institute releases working papers, reports, and publications that address a wide range of human rights issues. These documents are often used as reference materials by practitioners and scholars in the field.

Advocacy and Outreach

HRI collaborates with various global organizations, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies, to influence and shape human rights policies and practices.

The institute hosts public events, seminars, and conferences, bringing together experts, practitioners, and students to discuss current human rights issues and developments.

HRI's partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, and international bodies are crucial in its efforts to promote human rights. These collaborations enhance the institute's impact on global human rights advocacy and policy-making.

Resources and Facilities

The Arthur W. Diamond Law Library provides extensive resources and archives, supporting research and study in human rights law. It houses a significant collection of legal documents, books, and journals related to human rights.

For more information about the Human Rights Institute at the Arthur W. Diamond Law Library, visit Columbia Law School's official website. The website provides detailed information about the institute's programs, faculty, events, and publications.

Your Rights if Arrested

When you are arrested, it's crucial to know your rights to ensure they are not violated. These rights are provided to protect you and ensure fair treatment under the law.

Right to Remain Silent

One of the most fundamental rights is the Miranda Rights, which include the right to remain silent. This means you do not have to answer any questions posed by law enforcement officers, except for providing your identification. This right is vital to prevent self-incrimination.

Right to an Attorney

You also have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, the state must provide a public defender or legal aid. It's important to consult with your attorney before giving any statements to the police.

Protection Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need a warrant or probable cause to conduct a search of your person or property.

During Detention and Arrest

Treatment by Police

During arrest and detention, the police must treat you humanely. This means no use of excessive force or inhumane treatment.

Phone Call

You are entitled to make a phone call. This could be to a family member, friend, or attorney to inform them of your situation.

Inmate Rights

Once you become an inmate, your rights change but do not disappear. These rights are governed by federal laws, state statutes, and prison regulations.

Right to Humane Facilities and Conditions

You have the right to humane facilities and conditions. While prisons are not meant to be comfortable, they must not be cruel or inhumane.

Right to Be Free from Sexual Crimes

You have the right to be free from sexual crimes and harassment while in custody. This includes protection from other inmates and prison staff.

Right to Medical Care

Inmates have a right to medical care. While the quality may vary, basic healthcare needs must be met, including treatment for chronic illnesses and injuries.

Right to Exercise Religion

Inmates have the right to exercise their religion. This may be subject to certain restrictions based on institutional safety and security.

Access to Courts

You have the right to access the courts. This includes the right to petition against unlawful conditions and the right to legal representation.

Right to a Hearing

If you face disciplinary action in prison, you have the right to a hearing. This is important for maintaining procedural fairness within the correctional system.

For more comprehensive information, please refer to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and official government websites like the U.S. Department of Justice.

Arrests Search

Arrests search refers to the process of accessing public records to find information about individuals who have been arrested. This is often conducted through online databases maintained by law enforcement agencies or third-party services.

An arrest record is an official document that details the circumstances and facts surrounding an individual's apprehension by law enforcement. It typically includes the person’s personal information, the charges, the date and location of the arrest, and the arresting agency.

Most arrest records are public documents in many jurisdictions. This means that anyone can request access to these records, although some personal information may be redacted for privacy reasons.

Legal Considerations

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

When using arrest records for employment screening or tenant screening, it is important to comply with the FCRA. This federal law sets standards for how arrest information can be used and ensures that the information is accurate and used fairly.

Privacy Concerns

While arrest records are generally public, there are privacy concerns to consider. In some cases, records may be expunged or sealed, limiting their availability.

Accuracy of Records

The accuracy of arrest records and inmate information can vary. It's important to cross-reference information with multiple sources when possible.

Inmate Lookup

Inmate lookup is a service provided by many correctional institutions allowing individuals to find information about inmates incarcerated in their facilities.

Inmate lookup systems typically provide the inmate’s name, booking photo, incarceration date, expected release date, and the charges for which they were incarcerated.

These services are usually accessible online through the websites of the respective correctional facility or through state-run databases.

How to Conduct an Arrests Search

Many government agencies maintain online databases that allow for arrest searches. These databases often require the user to know the name of the person they are searching for, and sometimes additional details like their date of birth or address.

There are also third-party websites that aggregate public records, including arrest records, from various sources. These services may charge a fee and often offer more comprehensive search capabilities.

Resources for Arrests Search and Inmate Lookup

• FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
• Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
• State and local law enforcement agency websites