Obviously, this varies widely depending on locale, security level, state, federal, etc., but what, in general, are you allowed to bring with you when you go to prison? (This came up because of Paris Hilton’s now-truncated jail term.) A book? Fifty books? Paper, pens, pencils? Typewriter? Computer?
The clothes you are wearing and any prescription materials such as eyeglasses or prescription medicines. As far as books go, I imagine that with a little luck and sweet-talking you could get a Bible or a Koran in.
I know from when my uncle was (still is, actually) in the slammer if you want to send him a book you have to send it through Amazon or something directly in its original packaging. In other words, have the prison be the shipping address.
When first entering prison (as opposed to jail) they can have very, very little personal property.
Once they move thru the intake prison and end up in their ‘permanent’ assignment, rules are loosened (depending on if they’re minimum, medium, max or supermax custody). But all items need to be sent into “property” where they are inspected for contraband. And purchased items must be from an approved vendor and sent in directly from the vendor also.
I can tell you the precise answer for how it used to be in British prison if you like.
Although nowadays they give the inmates laptops to prepare their cases, so I think it’s changed a lot.
Actually, a much better idea would be to ask Casdave (?)