Hammons v. Saffle

MURPHY, Circuit Judge.

I. INTRODUCTION

Plaintiff-appellant Tyrone R. Hammons is incarcerated at the Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy, Oklahoma. Defendants-appellees James L. Saffie, et al., implemented prison policies in May 1999 and June 2002, prohibiting in-cell possession and use of oils that Hammons uses for his five daily Muslim prayers. Hammons, proceeding pro se, filed this action under 42 U.S.C. § 1988 seeking a declaratory judgment that his First Amendment right to freely exercise his religion was violated. In addition, Hammons sought damages and injunctive relief, costs and…