United States Supreme Court Issues Landmark Decision on Inmates’ Rights

On Wednesday, March 27, 2013, the United State Supreme Court issued its ruling in Millbrook v. United States, and held that the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) waives sovereign immunity for correctional officers who commit intentional torts against inmates while acting within the scope of their employment. This unanimous decision, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, will have a major impact on inmates’ ability to file lawsuits against federal correctional officers for acts of sexual abuse that occur in federal custodial facilities.