Inmates of Attica Correctional Facility v. Rockefeller
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
477 F.2d 375 (2d Cir. 1973)
Facts
After an inmate uprising at New York’s Attica Correctional Facility (Attica), numerous inmates and the mother of an inmate who was killed during the revolt (collectively “plaintiffs”) brought suit against Rockefeller, the state’s Governor, and several senior government officials (collectively “defendants”) for aiding and/or abetting in the commission of various crimes committed by New York State Police Troopers and Corrections Officers who killed 32 inmates without provocation during the uprising. The plaintiff further alleged that the officers beat inmates after the prison had been re-taken, and that over 400 inmates were intentionally denied needed medical assistance. The complaint requested mandamus that the state investigate and prosecute the responsible state officials and that the U.S. Attorney investigate, arrest, and prosecute the same state officers for committing federal offenses. The district court granted defendants’ motions to dismiss the complaint and the plaintiffs appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Mansfield, J.)
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