What case established the need for adequate medical treatment for inmates?

The landmark case that established the need for adequate medical treatment for inmates is Estelle v. Gamble. In this 1976 case, the Supreme Court ruled that deliberate indifference to an inmate's serious medical needs constitutes a violation of the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The Court concluded that prison officials are required to provide inmates with adequate medical care and cannot willfully ignore their medical needs. This decision emphasized that health care is a constitutional requirement within the prison system, ensuring that all inmates receive necessary medical attention.

Other cases listed do not directly address the issue of medical treatment for inmates. While the concepts of cruel and unusual punishment may relate to the broader topic of inmate rights, it was Estelle v. Gamble that specifically focused on the obligations of correctional facilities to meet the medical needs of their populations.