The increasing incidence of law suits following jail suicides is briefly discussed. Most suits in the USA are filed under the statute, “Civil Action for Deprivation of Civil Rights”. To win, plaintiffs must prove gross negligence or deliberate indifference. In defending against such litigation, expert testimony & the presence of a suicide prevention program are critical. Information on 14 court cases & on the Jail Suicide Prevention Information Task Force is included. (RM)