From Individual to Collective Justice: How Class Actions Redefine Justice for Ontario Inmates
By Keren Harrison, 2L In Ontario’s prisons, a new wave of individualism is changing the way inmates seek justice. Recent research shows a culture shift from a “herd mentality” to one that emphasizes individualism.[1] Historically, inmates banded together against guards, cops, and other institutions. This sense of community has been weakened due to challenges of living with large groups, a rise in individual rights, increased violence between inmates, and access to personalized comforts (i.e., showers, visits, in-cell entertainment). As a result, taboo behaviours like “snitching” have become more common. The rise of class action suits reflects inmates’ collective response to injustice, while highlighting the sacrifices required from individual plaintiffs. Representative plaintiffs must step out of “the pack,” seek legal help, be prepared to recount their intimate experiences, and provide key evidence like medical records to support their claims. They must repeatedly recount their traumatic experiences, not just for themselves
