Terrance L. Harris v. Bites

Summary

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana dismissed claims concerning the alleged destruction of a prisoner's tablet. The court dismissed the claims against Correctional Officer Berry without prejudice as unrelated and dismissed the claims against Correctional Officer Bites under 28 U.S.C. § 1915A because Indiana's post-deprivation remedies prevented a viable due process claim.

Holdings

1. The claim against Correctional Officer Berry was properly dismissed without prejudice because it was unrelated to the claim against Correctional Officer Bites and Harris failed to select a claim to pursue.
2. Harris failed to state a federal due-process claim because Indiana provides an adequate post-deprivation remedy for the alleged accidental or intentional loss of his tablet.
3. Leave to amend was properly denied because amendment would be futile.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the unrelated claim against Correctional Officer Berry should be dismissed without prejudice when Harris failed to select a claim after being given an opportunity to do so.
2. Whether Harris stated a federal due-process claim based on the alleged intentional or accidental destruction of his tablet by Correctional Officer Bites when Indiana provided an adequate post-deprivation remedy.
3. Whether Harris should be granted leave to amend the claim against Bites.

Disposition

dismissed