How must legal mail be handled according to protocol?

Handling legal mail correctly is crucial in a correctional facility to ensure that inmates maintain their right to confidential communication with their legal representatives. The protocol for legal mail typically states that it must be inspected and opened in front of the inmate. This procedure serves multiple purposes: it maintains transparency in the process, allows the inmate to witness that their mail is being handled appropriately, and ensures the security of the facility by allowing staff to check for any unauthorized items without violating the inmate's legal rights.

The requirement to open legal mail in the presence of the inmate helps preserve the confidentiality of the communication with legal counsel, which is a vital aspect of the justice system. This approach strikes a balance between security needs and the legal rights of inmates, reinforcing the importance of due process within the correctional environment.