Mario Cavin v. Mich. Dep't of Corr.

SUTTON, Circuit Judge.

Mario Cavin is an inmate in the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections who practices Wicca. While the Department permits Cavin and other Wiccans to congregate on some holidays, it prevents their group worship on others and limits their use of ritualistic items when alone. Cavin filed this lawsuit to eliminate these restrictions and to seek damages. At summary judgment, the district court ruled against Cavin on the damages claim. After a trial, the district court held that the Department's policy did not substantially burden Cavin's religious exercise under the…