$1,000 Verdict in Religious Freedom Case
Michigan prisoner David Marsh is a follower of Wicca. He had previously
prevailed in a lawsuit requiring the Michigan Department of Corrections to
recognize Wicca as a religion. Despite that order, prison officials refused
Marsh the opportunity to practice a part of his religion, which required
the burning of incense. When this was disallowed to happen in his cell as
Native Americans and Buddhists do, he offered to do so in the chapel. That
was also refused.
A bench trial resulted in a June 1998 verdict for March of $1,000 and a
total award with attorney fees of $20,000. See: Marsh v. Hawley, USDC,
Marquette County, Michigan, Case No: 95-CV-285.
As a digital subscriber to Prison Legal News, you can access full text and downloads for this and other premium content.
Already a subscriber? Login
Related legal case
Marsh v. Hawley
| Year | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC, Marquette County, Michigan, Case No: 95-CV-2 |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Bench Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 20000 |
| Damages | 1000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |