Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Dec 17, 2024
Ronald Jordan vs. James H. Coffman
Ronald Jordan, an inmate, sued his former prison supervisor, James H. Coffman, under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging involuntary servitude and cruel and unusual punishment for being compelled to work on Coffman's personal property. The trial court dismissed Jordan's claims. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal, finding that Jordan failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted under § 1983, as his allegations did not establish a violation of his Thirteenth or Eighth Amendment rights, nor did a state law violation alone suffice for a § 1983 claim.