For the sake of public health and to prevent the potential negative long-term effects, a class action lawsuit has been filed to end the practice of solitary confinement in certain cases in Pennsylvania.  According to the federal lawsuit, which was filed in March, solitary confinement compromises the mental health of those incarcerated.  On behalf of six incarcerated individuals, legal counsel from the Abolitionist Law Center, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, and the law firm Dechert LLP filed the lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.  The general argument focuses on humanity and the end to cruel punishment.