State v. Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers

OPINION

This case came before the Supreme Court on March 4, 2003, pursuant to an order directing the parties to appear and show cause why the issues raised in this appeal should not be summarily decided. After hearing the arguments of counsel and reviewing the memoranda of the parties, we are satisfied that cause has not been shown. Accordingly, we shall decide the appeal at this time.

On December 6, 1996, Thomas Ryan (Ryan), a correctional officer with the Department of Corrections (DOC), was assigned to the Eleanor Slater Hospital, a state facility for prison inmates undergoing medical…