Johnson v. California: Major Prison Gangs in California

Read Time:29 Second

The CDC’s asserted rationale for this practice is that it is necessary to prevent violence caused by racial gangs. It cites numerous incidents of racial violence in CDC facilities and identifies five major prison gangs in the State: Mexican Mafia, Nuestra Familia, Black Guerilla Family, Aryan Brotherhood, and Nazi Low Riders.

The CDC also notes that prison-gang culture is violent and murderous.

Johnson v. California, 543 U.S. 499 (2005). Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. No. 03–636. Argued November 2, 2004. Decided February 23, 2005.