Muntaqim v. Hobbs

Appellant, an inmate, filed a complaint against twenty-two employees of the Arkansas Department of Corrections alleging violations of his civil rights. Specifically, Appellant claimed that he was denied access to certain religious publications and the right to lead Nation of Islam religious services. Appellant filed a pro se motion for a preliminary injunction, summary judgment, and default judgment seeking to enjoin Defendants from violating his rights. The circuit court denied the motion without holding a hearing on the merits. Appellant appealed the denial of his motion for summary judgment and a preliminary injunction. The Supreme Court (1) dismissed Appellant’s appeal from the motion for summary judgment, as a denial of a motion for summary judgment is not a final, appealable order; and (2) reversed and remanded to the circuit court to hold a hearing on Appellant’s motion for preliminary injunction, holding that, under the circumstances of this case, the complexity and the rights in question warranted a hearing below. View "Muntaqim v. Hobbs" on Justia Law