Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
IN RE: Samuel WINBUSH, Petitioner, v. Michael McGINNIS, as Superintendent of Southport Correctional Facility, Respondent.
Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Chemung County) to review a determination of respondent which found petitioner guilty of violating a prison disciplinary rule.
Petitioner, an inmate, reported that he fell out of bed and was experiencing chest pain. He told the nurse who responded that he was dehydrated because his water had been turned off. After examining petitioner, the nurse did not find any symptoms of chest pain or dehydration. As a result, petitioner was charged in a misbehavior report with falsely reporting an emergency. He was found guilty following a tier II disciplinary hearing and the determination was upheld on administrative appeal. This CPLR article 78 proceeding ensued.
We confirm. The misbehavior report, together with the testimony of the nurse who prepared it, provide substantial evidence supporting the determination of guilt (see Matter of Richardson v. Coombe, 231 A.D.2d 789, 790, 647 N.Y.S.2d 577 [1996]; see also Matter of Carrington v. Goord, 20 A.D.3d 835, 798 N.Y.S.2d 700 [2005] ). Contrary to petitioner's claim, the nurse was authorized to prepare the misbehavior report as she had personal knowledge of the incident in question (see 7 NYCRR 251-3.1[b] ). Petitioner's remaining claims are either unpreserved for our review or lacking in merit.
ADJUDGED that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Decided: February 23, 2006
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department, New York.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)
Harness the power of our directory with your own profile. Select the button below to sign up.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)