Woods v. State

The Claimant in this case is an inmate in an Illinois penal institution. He has brought this action to recover the value of certain items of personal property which were lost during his transfer between various institutions. The Claimant has contended that the property in question was lost while in the actual physical possession of the State of Illinois, and that the State of Illinois is liable as a bailee for the return of that property.

This Court has consistently held that the State is liable where they have possession of personal property of inmates and the property is lost through an…