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Supervisory Officials Liable for Denial of Religious Services
The plaintiff complained that inmates in a particular unit were not permitted to attend Muslim services. His injunctive claim is moot because he has been released. However, he may be entitled to damages, and even nominal damages would support an award of costs. Since the PLRA requires him to pay the filing fee, if his rights have been violated he should not have to bear that expense.
An allegation that the plaintiff petitioned the county sheriff and prison superintendent and was refused suffices to establish personal involvement. The argument that letters or grievances sent to prison officials are insufficient is rejected. At 901: "If a supervisor knows of a constitutional violation, has the power to correct it, and has no reason to suppose that his subordinates will correct it, he should be liable if he fails to act." See: Alexander v. Sheahan, 998 F.Supp. 899 (N.D.Ill. 1998).
An allegation that the plaintiff petitioned the county sheriff and prison superintendent and was refused suffices to establish personal involvement. The argument that letters or grievances sent to prison officials are insufficient is rejected. At 901: "If a supervisor knows of a constitutional violation, has the power to correct it, and has no reason to suppose that his subordinates will correct it, he should be liable if he fails to act." See: Alexander v. Sheahan, 998 F.Supp. 899 (N.D.Ill. 1998).
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Related legal case
Alexander v. Sheahan
| Year | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Cite | 998 F.Supp. 899 (N.D.Ill. 1998) |
| Level | District Court |
| Injunction Status | N/A |