Specifically

I am here to tell you that my lack in writing ability can be directly related to reading the letters and request slips turned in over the past 10 years by inmates who even have a hard time addressing an envelope. When you read this stuff over and over, it can be easy to absorb some of the same "talent". Of course, I may never have had an ability to write. I just think I do okay because of my comparison to the wit of these inmates.
In these "writing skills" pages, you will find many references to request slips. For the period of time an inmate is incarcerated, we officers are responsible for their care and to see that their day to day issues are taken care of in a realistic timely manner. When they want to change their visiting list, be seen by medical staff, want to know when their court days are, need a haircut, and a variety of other things, an inmate request form is filled out and turned in to the officers on the floor. The request slips are answered and returned relatively quickly. Most are answered before an 8-hour shift has elapsed.
Below is an example of an actual request slip turned in by an inmate who wants to know the name of the process of writing to the judge to see if he/she will reduce that inmate's sentence. It is called a letter of modification. In the letter to the judge, an inmate is better served by expressing remorse, a willingness to do better in his life, and not to repeat his criminal behavior. In other words, he needs to eat a lot of crow. Many letters concerning modification of a sentence are ignored or denied by the court mostly due to habitual and similar behavior exhibited by the inmate. The inmate stands a better chance if they get some supporting evidence from those who will endorse him in one way or another. This is especially so if the inmate can find someone who will give him a job if he is released early. Here is his request as it was turned in to be answered by staff:
"I want to know what it is pacificly called when you rite to a judge when you all ready did more than half of your time."