Richard Garnett

The Supreme Court ruled that a Rastafarian man cannot sue Louisiana prison officials for forcibly shaving his dreadlocks, citing federal law does not permit claims against individual officers. The 6-3 decision emphasized Congress lacks authority to impose liability directly on prison staff, while dissenting justices warned prisoners may lack remedies for religious liberty violations.

The Supreme Court blocked a Rastafarian man's lawsuit against Louisiana prison officials who forcibly shaved his dreadlocks, ruling 6-3 that the case cannot proceed due to Spending Clause limitations. The dissent argued the decision leaves prisoners without remedies for religious violations, while Louisiana revised its grooming policies in response.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that a Rastafarian man, Damon Landor, cannot sue Louisiana prison officials for forcibly shaving his dreadlocks, citing limitations under the Spending Clause. The decision blocks his religious rights lawsuit under RLUIPA, with dissenting justices warning it leaves prisoners without remedies for religious violations. Louisiana revised its grooming policies in response to the case.