James G. Ellingburg v. Johnny King and Kenneth Taylor

This is an appeal from the district court’s dismissal of appellants’ class action complaint brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, for failure to state a claim. Appellants, inmates of the Arkansas Department of Correction, basically complain of the actions of a prison employee, Utility Sergeant Kenneth Taylor, who they feel acts unfairly toward them. Specifically, they allege:

1. That Sergeant Taylor threatened them with job demotions unless they became informers.

2. That inmate Ellingburg was deprived of needed medical care.

3. That inmate Ellingburg was intimidated by prison officials because the…