Jova v. Goord

Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Ulster County) to review a determination of respondent Commissioner of Correctional Services which found petitioner guilty of violating certain prison disciplinary rules.

During a search of petitioner’s cell, a number of items were confiscated pertaining to a purported religion known as “Tulukeesh,” including a book entitled “Holy Blackness.” As a result, petitioner was charged in a misbehavior report with possessing contraband, engaging in unauthorized organizational activities,…