Raymond Laborde Correctional Center

The Supreme Court ruled that a Rastafarian man cannot seek damages from Louisiana prison officials who shaved his dreadlocks, citing the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). The decision, split along ideological lines, held that individual officers could not be liable for violating religious rights, as the prison—not the officials—accepted federal funds required to uphold RLUIPA protections.

The Supreme Court ruled that a Rastafari man cannot sue Louisiana prison officials who cut his dreadlocks, violating his religious beliefs. The decision held that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act does not allow lawsuits for money damages, even when inmates' rights are violated.

The Supreme Court ruled that a Rastafari man cannot sue Louisiana prison guards for forcibly cutting his dreadlocks, stating a federal law protecting inmates' religious rights does not permit lawsuits for monetary damages. The court acknowledged the violation but agreed with lower courts that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act cannot hold prison officials financially liable.

The Supreme Court ruled that Damon Landor, a Rastafari man, cannot sue Louisiana prison officials who cut his dreadlocks against his religious beliefs. The court held that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act does not permit lawsuits for monetary damages, even when inmates' rights are violated. Louisiana stated it has updated its prison grooming policy to prevent similar incidents.

The Supreme Court ruled that a former Louisiana inmate cannot sue prison officials for cutting his dreadlocks, violating his Rastafari religious beliefs. The court held that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act does not allow lawsuits for monetary damages despite the violation. During his incarceration, prison officials at the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center disregarded a prior court ruling protecting religious grooming practices and forcibly shaved his head.

The Supreme Court ruled that a Rastafari man, Damon Landor, cannot sue Louisiana prison officials who cut his dreadlocks, violating his religious beliefs. The Court held that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act does not permit lawsuits for money damages against prison officials for such violations. Louisiana stated it has amended its prison grooming policy to prevent similar incidents.