The decisions in two prisoner free exercise cases from several months ago have just become available. Ford v. Martel, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37318 (ED Cal., Sept. 14, 2005), involved complaints about limits on religious services during a prison lock down imposed after weapons-related materials were found near where Muslim inmates had just participated in Ramadan services. A U.S. Magistrate recommended dismissal of complaints that during the Ramadan lock down inmates were given access to a Muslim imam only in their cells.
In Pineda-Morales v. De Rosa, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37179 (D. NJ., July 6, 2005), a prisoner complained that he was not allowed separate services for the Apostolic Faith Church, arguing that the "trinity doctrine" of other Protestant churches was inconsistent with teachings of his faith. The court denied prison officials' summary judgment motion on one claim, finding that questions of fact remained on whether prison officials employed the least restrictive means when they denied denominational recognition and Saturday meeting time to Plaintiff's group. However summary judgement on various other claims was granted based on exhaustion, statute of limitations and immunity.
