Which case is notable for addressing the rights of sentenced inmates?

The correct choice emphasizes the case of Whitley v. Albers, which is significant for its focus on the rights of sentenced inmates in the context of prison conditions and the use of force by corrections officers. This case underscores the legal standards surrounding the treatment of inmates under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court ruled that the use of force must be evaluated based on whether it was applied in a manner that was malicious and sadistic for the purpose of causing harm, or whether it was used in a good-faith effort to maintain or restore discipline.

In detailing the rights of inmates, this case establishes the principle that while inmates do have rights, those rights may be limited in the context of imprisonment, and the standard for evaluating the constitutionality of corrections officers' actions is based on the concepts of intent and the necessity of force. This significant ruling has shaped how courts approach cases involving the treatment of inmates, providing a clear framework for assessing Eighth Amendment violations in prison environments.

Through the lens of Whitley v. Albers, it's evident that cases involving inmate rights require a careful balance between the state's interest in maintaining order and the rights of individuals under its care, thereby establishing an important precedent in correctional