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| Illuminated Prison Cells Could Leave State Liable |
| By courthousenews.com- Tim Hull |
| Published: 01/19/2014 |
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(CN) - Prison officials in Washington must face claims that their refusal to turn off the lights in segregation cells amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, the 9th Circuit ruled Thursday. Neil Grenning, an inmate at the state's Airway Heights Corrections Center, claimed that he developed insomnia, migraine headaches and confusion while being held for nearly two weeks in the Special Management Unit (SMU), in which at least one light stays on all day and night, albeit covered with "a blue light-diffusing sleeve." Grenning claimed that the light was nonetheless so bright that it penetrated "four layers of towel wrapped around his eyes." Guards placed Grenning in the solitary cell pending an investigation into a fight in which he was allegedly involved. Prison officials contended that 24-hour illumination is needed for the protection of guards and prisoners alike, as the SMU is used to house those who pose a threat to themselves, others, security or orderliness, as well as those under investigation for the same. Grenning claimed that the lighting violated his Eighth Amendment rights, but U.S. District Edward Shea in Spokane summarily ruled for the state. A divided three-judge appeals panel reversed on Thursday. Read More. |
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