United States Eighth Circuit

In an action arising from state prison officials' decision to deny plaintiff-inmate a sweat lodge in which to practice his Native American faith, summary judgment for prison officials is affirmed where the district court did not err in finding that defendants met their burden under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and established that the denial of a sweat lodge was the least restrictive means by which to further a compelling interest in order and security.

Appellate Information

• Decided 07/25/2008
• Published 07/25/2008

Judges

• BALDOCK, Circuit Judge., Before GRUENDER, BALDOCK, and BENTON, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Eighth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• Charles C. Eblen, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, L.L.P., Kansas City, MO, argued (Allison L. Eblen, on the brief), for appellant.


• For Appellees:
  
• Emily Kalmer, Asst. Atty. Gen., Jefferson City, MO, argued (Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon, Atty. Gen., on the brief), for appellee.