Upchurch v. State

OPINION OP THE COURT BY

ABE, J.

The issue in this case is whether the State of Hawaii is liable under the State Tort Liability Act to a former inmate of the Hawaii State Prison for injuries which were inflicted upon him by another inmate while in prison.

The prison officials, after they had been informed by plaintiff that his life had been threatened by inmates Ray Barton and Benedict Hattori, at 3:30 p.m. placed plaintiff in Corridor C. It was the established prison policy to place inmates in Corridor C for their safety and protection. While plaintiff’s personal belongings and dinner were being…