Fred M. Anderson and Wayne Nelson, Fred M. Anderson v. Thomas Coughlin, Commissioner, New York State Department of Corrections

CARDAMONE, Circuit Judge:

While the issue before us — did a 12-hour “keeplock” in a maximum security state prison violate plaintiff-inmates’ civil rights — is simply stated, its resolution is more complex and requires detailed analysis. Plaintiffs Fred M. Anderson and Wayne Nelson instituted this action against defendant Thomas Coughlin, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections, for defendant’s alleged violation of plaintiffs’ civil rights in having ordered plaintiff-prisoners confined to their cells in the Great Meadow Correctional Facility on May 21, 1981 for “no reason”…