WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday appeared likely to bar federal prison inmates from suing officials who deny them medical treatment in the latest case seeking to roll back the ability to hold federal officials accountable for alleged constitutional violations.
\n\nThe court heard oral arguments over a claim brought by a former federal prison inmate, Kekai Watanabe, who alleges he was denied medical treatment by officers at a Honolulu-based facility in July 2021 after he was beaten by other prisoners during a gang riot.
\n\nThe case focuses on the scope of a 1971 Supreme Court ruling called Bivens v. Six Unknown Fed. Narcotics Agents, which for the first time allowed people to sue federal officials, including prison officials, for civil rights violations.
\n\nThe Trump administration’s recent immigration crackdowns have again put the spotlight on the lack of avenues for accountability for agents who face accusations of violating the Constitution.
\n\nIn Monday’s arguments, the court appeared likely to continue with its recent line of cases that have pared back so-called Bivens claims.
\n\nAlthough the court may not overturn the Bivens decision itself, it seems likely to nullify a 1980 Supreme Court ruling that expanded on it, called Carlson v. Green.
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health