Utah prison inmate wins $100 in religious rites case [View all]

[cbayer]

http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/09/17/utah-prison-inmate-wins-100-religious-rites-case

By Contributed
The Associated Press
Mon, 09/17/2012 - 6:11am



SALT LAKE CITY — A federal judge has ruled in favor of a former Utah State Prison inmate, saying officials violated his constitutional rights by not allowing him to practice certain rites of his religion.

U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell on Friday awarded $100 to Danny Warner Jr., but denied his request for compensatory and punitive damages, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

The judge noted prison officials had already taken steps to clarify policies and accommodate the needs of those practicing the pre-Christian Nordic faith of Odhvegr, also known as Odinism. The religion encourages followers to live a "virtuous existence" based on nine noble virtues, including courage, truth and honor. It’s among 25 identified religions followed by Utah inmates.

Campbell praised Warner, who represented himself, for "the zealous defense of his rights and for the exemplary manner" in which he litigated his claims. Most inmate lawsuits are dismissed.

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