What was the focus of the Ruiz vs. Estelle case?

The focus of the Ruiz vs. Estelle case was on the conditions of confinement within the Texas prison system. This landmark lawsuit brought attention to the overcrowded and inhumane living conditions that inmates faced, which included issues such as inadequate sanitation, insufficient medical care, and physical abuse. The case highlighted the need for reform within the prison system to ensure that inmates' constitutional rights, particularly the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, were upheld.

The outcome of the case resulted in significant changes to how prisoners were treated and led to improvements in prison operations regarding safety and living conditions. The ruling underscored the responsibility of the state to provide humane conditions for those incarcerated. This case is pivotal in the context of prison reform and legal standards related to the treatment of inmates.