Robert J. Bell v. Paula Phillips

Robert Bell, an inmate in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections, appeals the dismissal of his petition, which asserted a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for denial of access to th'e courts. We reverse, and remand to the circuit court for further proceedings.

Factual Background

In his second amended petition, filed pro se, Bell alleged a host of civil rights violations by employees at the Southeast Correctional Center in Charleston. Only Bell’s allegations against defendant Paula Phillips, identified as a “Functioning Unit Manager,” are relevant to this appeal. Bell’s second amended…