Lisa Adams has settled a civil lawsuit against the federal attorney general, nearly five years after she was subjected to 16 days of 'dry cell' solitary confinement in a Nova Scotia prison. Her lawyer confirmed the settlement, which follows a 2021 court ruling that her constitutional rights were violated. Adams' advocacy has been instrumental in leading to a national ban on dry celling for women suspected of vaginal contraband and the introduction of new regulations to limit dry cell detentions across Canada.
Woman who spent 16 days in ‘dry cell’ confinement settles civil lawsuit
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Lisa Adams has settled a civil lawsuit against the federal attorney general, nearly five years after she was subjected to 16 days of 'dry cell' solitary confinement in a Nova Scotia prison. Her lawyer confirmed the settlement, which follows a 2021 court ruling that her constitutional rights were violated. Adams' advocacy has been instrumental in leading to a national ban on dry celling for women suspected of vaginal contraband and the introduction of new regulations to limit dry cell detentions across Canada.
Trending- 1 May 2, 2020: Lisa Adams accused of using crystal meth
- 2 May 6, 2020: Lisa Adams placed in dry cell
- 3 November 2020: Lisa Adams filed civil lawsuit
- 4 November 2021: Justice John Keith ruled Lisa Adams' constitutional rights violated
- 5 April 2022: Federal government banned dry celling for vaginal contraband
- 6 October 2024: Ottawa introduced regulations to limit dry cell detentions
- 7 Recent: Civil lawsuit settled
- Settlement of a civil lawsuit (terms undisclosed)
- National shift in the use of dry cells in Canadian correctional facilities
- Banning of dry celling for inmates suspected of carrying contraband in their vaginas
- Introduction of regulations to limit the duration of dry cell detentions and improve inmate monitoring
- Constitutional rights of Lisa Adams were violated
- Deterioration of Lisa Adams' mental health
What: Lisa Adams settled a civil lawsuit against the federal attorney general after being held in a dry cell for 16 days at the Nova Institution for Women in Truro, Nova Scotia. She was wrongly accused of hiding drugs in her vagina. Her lawyer, Mike Dull, confirmed the settlement, but terms were undisclosed. Adams' constitutional rights were ruled violated by Justice John Keith in November 2021, leading to an order for Ottawa to reform discriminatory corrections law. The federal government banned dry celling for inmates suspected of carrying vaginal contraband in April 2022 and introduced regulations in October 2024 to limit dry cell durations and improve monitoring. Adams' mental health deteriorated during confinement, despite concerns from health services. The attorney general acknowledged the confinement was 'regrettable' but stated Adams had access to legal and medical care, and a urine sample indicated methamphetamine use.
When: Lisa Adams filed the lawsuit almost five years ago (November 2020). She was placed in the dry cell on May 6, 2020, for 16 days, after being accused of drug use on May 2, 2020. Justice John Keith's ruling was in November 2021. The federal government banned dry celling for vaginal contraband in April 2022. New regulations were introduced in October 2024. The settlement was confirmed recently on Monday. The report was published on June 18, 2025.
Where: The confinement occurred at the Nova Institution for Women in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. The lawsuit was filed with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Adams was accused of drug use at a community residential facility in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Why: Adams filed the lawsuit alleging cruel and unusual punishment and constitutional rights violations due to the harsh conditions and lack of justification for her dry cell confinement. Dry cells are used to monitor inmates for hidden contraband. Adams' advocacy was driven by her experience and the desire to ban this 'invasive, degrading and ultimately unlawful practice.' The federal government implemented bans and regulations in response to court rulings and public pressure to reform correctional practices.
How: Adams initiated a civil lawsuit. Her lawyer issued a statement confirming the settlement. A Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice made a Charter ruling. The federal government responded by announcing policy changes and introducing new regulations. Correctional officers placed Adams in the dry cell based on suspicion, and medical requests were made during her confinement.