UNDATED A former inmate at Wisconsin's most secure prison has
won a jury trial on his claim of cruel and inhumane treatment.
Nathan Gillis first filed suit in 2002 claiming his
constitutional rights had been violated by a guard at the
Boscobel prison.
Gillis' attorney, Pam McGillivray, says he was subjected to a
behavior modification program that included stripping him down
to his underwear and forcing him to sleep on the floor.
The punishment was for violating a prison rule requiring
inmates to sleep with their heads facing the rear of the cell.
A lower court rejected Gillis' claim. But a federal appeals
court this week said he deserves a jury trial.
McGillivray says jurors will determine whether the treatment
meets standards of decency.
Gillis was serving time for a sexual assault he committed in
1993. He was released, but is back in prison on a parole
violation.
(Thanks Gil Halsted, Wisconsin Public Radio)
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