Final answer:
The federal courts first recognized prisoners' rights in the 1960s during a period when civil rights issues were at the forefront of legal developments, significantly influenced by the Warren Court's decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prisoners' rights in the context of litigation began to be recognized in the federal courts during the 1960s. It was a time when civil rights movements were gaining momentum and several landmark decisions were made by the Supreme Court, expanding constitutional protections. One notable case, Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), established the right to legal counsel for all accused persons, which had a lasting impact on the treatment of defendants and inmates. The Warren Court of the 1950s and 1960s also made decisions crucial to civil rights, influencing prisoners' rights. Moreover, this period saw a broader interpretation and enforcement of the Fourteenth Amendment, further embedding the principle of equal treatment under the law.