Jodi is serving a 5-year sentence for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. She is incarcerated in the only institution for females in the state. Jodi feels as though her constitutional rights have been trampled on several times, especially when they search her cell. Jodi feels that the correctional officers do not treat the inmates properly, and she has had enough. She plans to attempt to file a lawsuit.
As an inmate, Jodi would not have always had the right to sue for constitutional rights violations. Which court case gave Jodi this right?

Question

Jodi is serving a 5-year sentence for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.  She is incarcerated in the only institution for females in the state.  Jodi feels as though her constitutional rights have been trampled on several times, especially when they search her cell.  Jodi feels that the correctional officers do not treat the inmates properly, and she has had enough.  She plans to attempt to file a lawsuit.
As an inmate, Jodi would not have always had the right to sue for constitutional rights violations.  Which court case gave Jodi this right?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cooper v. Pate (1964) was a landmark case that allowed inmates to sue for constitutional rights violations, establishing that prisoners could bring lawsuits against state officials under the Civil Rights Act of 1871.

Jodi Is Serving a 5-Year Sentence for Assault with a Deadly