Givens v. O'QUINN

OPINION AND ORDER

JONES, Chief Judge.

In this § 1983 case, the plaintiff, a state correctional officer, was assaulted by coworkers during a practical joke gone awry. The jury awarded him nominal compensatory damages as well as punitive damages. On post-verdict motions, I hold, among other things, that (1) the plaintiff sufficiently proved that the assault occurred under color of state law; and (2) the punitive damages awarded were not constitutionally excessive.

I

Terry W. Givens is a correctional officer at Wallens Ridge State Prison, which is a facility operated by the Virginia Department of…