Supreme Court to hear appeal from Rastafarian whose dreadlocks were cut in prison
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Supreme Court to Review Rastafarian Inmate's Religious Rights Case
Above: The U.S. Supreme Court Image copyright: Drew Angerer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a critical test for religious liberty protections in America's prison system. Prison officials ignored a court ruling protecting religious rights and forcibly shaved Landon's sacred hair, violating the most basic principles of religious freedom. Without the ability to seek monetary damages, inmates have no meaningful recourse when their rights are trampled.
Narrative B
Although the treatment of Landor was wrong, expanding damage liability against individual prison officials threatens to cripple an already strained correctional system. Prison staffing shortages would worsen if guards faced personal financial liability for policy decisions, ultimately harming all inmates through reduced services and security.