The Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project (PILP) protects and advances the constitutional and civil rights of people incarcerated in Pennsylvania through litigation, advocacy, and legal advice.
We do not assist with criminal matters, habeas cases, sentencing, or parole issues.
To request assistance for yourself or someone whose civil or constitutional rights may have been violated in a prison, jail or detention center in Pennsylvania, please press the button below to request assistance from our legal team.
PILP MOUD Storytelling Project
In 2020, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project (PILP) began working more deeply to address the need for access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Pennsylvania’s prisons and jails. Since then, PILP has released a groundbreaking report, that has been cited in news coverage on this important issue across the country. We’ve also held multiple events focused on MOUD and created a listserv for advocates and activists to share resources, and continue to litigate cases seeking access to MOUD for our clients. Let Us Live is a new project that centers on storytelling and uplifting the voices of people directly impacted by the overdose epidemic and incarceration, with the goal of reducing stigma and discrimination against incarcerated people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and increasing access to MOUD for people who are incarcerated and detained in Pennsylvania. The final storytelling project along with an update to our MOUD report will be released at our upcoming Annual Event!
About
Meet our staff, learn about our mission and decades of advocacy, and view current opportunities to work with us.
our work
Read about our legal impact, view our service regions, client eligibility, and screening for potential representation.
Resources
We provide a range of self-help legal materials and other educational references free of charge within Pennsylvania.
in the news
We're making headlines! Read about how our work directly supports both the individuals we serve and the community at large.
take action
Your contribution allows us to provide free legal resources and representation to incarcerated people, defending their constitutional and human rights.
contact us
Our three offices across Pennsylvania cover the Eastern, Central, and Western Districts. Please contact the office for your geographic area and issue.
all of Our services are free of charge thanks to the generous contributions of our supporters.
Please consider making a donation today to help us provide critical legal assistance and resources to incarcerated people throughout the state!
Photography by Harvey Finkle and illustrations by Gerardo Garduño