YOU BE THE JUDGE
The FactsWhile Kevin Murphy was incarcerated at the Montana State Prison, he served as an "inmate law clerk," providing legal assistance to fellow prisoners. Upon learning that inmate Pat Tracy had been charged with assaulting a Correctional Officer, Murphy decided to assist Tracy with his defense.
Prison rules prohibited Murphy's assignment to the case, but he nonetheless investigated the assault. After discovering that other inmates had complained about the same Officer's conduct, Murphy sent Tracy a letter.
Prison officials intercepted the letter in accordance with prison policy. Based on the letter's content, the prison disciplined Murphy for violating prison rules.
Murphy appealed, alleging that the discipline violated his First Amendment rights, including the right to provide legal assistance to other inmates.
You Decide
Were Murphy's rights violated?
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