James Edward Nettles v. Alfred T. Rundle, Warden and Arthur T. Prasse, Commissioner of Prisons

OPINION OF THE COURT

This action for damages under the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, has been brought by a state prisoner against prison authorities. It charges the defendants with negligence in connection with medical treatment requested and needed by the prisoner. The complaint also contains an allegation that medical attention was withheld because the plaintiff refused to sign a document waiving any claim for injury that might result from treatment. But this allegation is followed by a statement that, shortly after the plaintiff’s refusal to sign a release, the prison authorities did…