Case: Weir v. Nix

4:91-cv-30463 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa

Filed Date: Aug. 5, 1991

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On August 5, 1991, a fundamentalist Christian inmate incarcerated in the Iowa State Penitentiary, in Fort Madison, Iowa, filed a lawsuit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act against prison authorities in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. The prisoner alleged that various prison policies infringed on his religious freedom. Specifically, he complained that the prison only employed a Protestant pastor, offered just three hours o…

On August 5, 1991, a fundamentalist Christian inmate incarcerated in the Iowa State Penitentiary, in Fort Madison, Iowa, filed a lawsuit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act against prison authorities in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. The prisoner alleged that various prison policies infringed on his religious freedom. Specifically, he complained that the prison only employed a Protestant pastor, offered just three hours of group worship each week, prohibited inmates in protective custody from attending Sunday worship, forbid inmates from bringing a Bible into the exercise yard, limited in-cell books and magazines in number, lacked a baptismal font, and prohibited inmates from receiving certain fundamentalist Christian pamphlets.

After trial, the District Court (Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters) found for the defendants on most issues, but ruled that the inmate should have been allowed to participate in a baptismal ceremony and to receive certain religious publications. Weir v. Nix, 890 F. Supp. 769 (S.D. Iowa 1995). Both parties appealed, but the defendants voluntarily withdrew their appeal when the plaintiff was transferred to another prison. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (Judge David R. Hansen) upheld the lower court's ruling, reasoning that the prison's religious programs did not substantially burden the inmate's exercise of his rights. Weir v. Nix, 114 F.3d 817 (8th Cir. 1997). The court affirmed the district court's ruling.

On June 14, 2000, the court ordered the plaintiff be reimbursed for litigation expenses.

Summary Authors

Rebekah Henn Sullivan (8/11/2005)

People


Judge(s)

Arnold, Richard Sheppard (Arkansas)

Hansen, David Rasmussen (Iowa)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ellsworth, Brian G. (Iowa)

Ingram, Patrick E. (Iowa)

Attorney for Defendant

Ensign, Kristin W. (Iowa)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

4:91-cv-30463

Docket (PACER)

June 14, 2000

June 14, 2000

Docket
58

4:91-cv-30463

Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order for Judgment

May 25, 1995

May 25, 1995

Order/Opinion

890 F.Supp. 769

95-02708

95-02865

Reported Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

June 11, 1997

June 11, 1997

Order/Opinion

114 F.3d 817

Docket

Last updated March 27, 2025, 8:17 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Aug. 5, 1991

ORDER by Chief Judge Harold D. Vietor dismissing party Karl Kemp, party Larry Linton, party Leonard Blackwell, party Nissan, party Wallace McNeil, party Donald Vold, party Jack Paschel, party Harold McCormick, party Michael Mahaffey, party Billie Lloyd, party Mildred Elliott, party Gary Baugher, party Steve Davis , and dismissing party John Emmett, party James Helling, party B Marie Brady, party Kenneth Wittry, party Debbie Nichols, party Charles W Lee, party Clarence Keys , dismissing party Paul Grossheim, party Terry E Branstad; claim contained in amendment rec'd 7/1/91 dismissed w/o prejudice (cc: all counsel, 198-OJ-51, copy of file to Clk for atty) (lc) (Entered: 08/05/1991)

PACER
2 Aug. 5, 1991

COMPLAINT (cc: pltf (lc) (Entered: 08/05/1991)

PACER
3 Aug. 5, 1991

AMENDED COMPLAINT [2-1] by plaintiff Milton Weir (cc: pltf) (lc) (Entered: 08/05/1991)

PACER
4 Aug. 16, 1991

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for plaintiff Milton Weir by Brian Ellsworth (lc) (Entered: 08/16/1991)

PACER
5 Sept. 18, 1991

MOTION by plaintiff Milton Weir to extend time to file amended and substituted complaint and ORDER by JRR, Clk granting motion [5-1] & ext time until 10/16/91 (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 09/18/1991)

PACER
6 Oct. 16, 1991

AMENDED COMPLAINT [3-1], [2-1] by plaintiff Milton Weir terminating defendant Unknown Employees, defendant Jane Doe, defendant John Doe, defendant Gerald Hoenig, defendant Midthune, defendant Del Vanderkrol, defendant Scott Stevens, defendant George Fenn, defendant David Babcock, defendant Donald Aschbrener, defendant Robert Krieger, defendant Mike Cutler, defendant Rick Larkin, defendant Gary Peitz, defendant Neil Boeding, defendant Richard Barry, defendant Richard Barlow, defendant Richard McColloch, defendant Patti Wachtendorf, defendant Roger Lawson, defendant Martin Rung, defendant Stephen R Korb, defendant Robert L Washington, defendant Donald Lynch, defendant C Heald, defendant Paul Hedgepeth, defendant John C Henry, defendant Ronald Welder, defendant Fred Scaletta, reinstating def Helling as defendant (lc) (Entered: 10/16/1991)

PACER
7 Oct. 31, 1991

Further Initial Review ORDERs by Chief Judge Harold D. Vietor: claims agst all 3 defs allowed to proceed; pltf's apptd counsel shall arrange for service of process upon defs (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 10/31/1991)

PACER
Oct. 31, 1991

SUMMONS issued as to defendant Crispus Nix, defendant James Helling, defendant Mary Piper & mailed to pltf's atty w/order fld this date (lc) (Entered: 10/31/1991)

PACER
8 Nov. 26, 1991

MOTION by defendant Crispus Nix, defendant James Helling, defendant Mary Piper for more definite statement before Chief Judge Harold D. Vietor (lc) (Entered: 11/26/1991)

PACER
11 Dec. 20, 1991

ORDER by Chief Judge Harold D. Vietor denying motion for more definite statement [8-1] (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 12/20/1991)

PACER
12 Dec. 30, 1991

MOTION by defendants Crispus Nix, James Helling, Mary Piper to extend time to answer and ORDER by JRR, Clk granting motion [12-1] & ext time to & incl 1/3/92 to respond to complaint (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 12/31/1991)

PACER
13 Jan. 3, 1992

ANSWER to Amended and Substituted Complaint by defendants Crispus Nix, James Helling, and Mary Piper re: complaint [6-1] (lc) (Entered: 01/03/1992)

PACER
14 May 7, 1992

ORDER by JRR, Clk ; Dispositive Motion ddl set for 6/10/92 (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 05/07/1992)

PACER
15 June 10, 1992

MOTION by defendant Mary Piper, defendant Crispus Nix, defendant James G. Helling for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor (sm) Modified on 06/11/1992 (Entered: 06/11/1992)

PACER
16 June 10, 1992

STATEMENT of Material Facts by defendant Mary Piper, defendant Crispus Nix (sm) (Entered: 06/11/1992)

PACER
17 June 10, 1992

AFFIDAVIT of James G. Helling regarding motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [15-1] (sm) (Entered: 06/11/1992)

PACER
18 June 10, 1992

AFFIDAVIT of Mary Piper regarding motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [15-1] (sm) (Entered: 06/11/1992)

PACER
19 June 10, 1992

AFFIDAVIT of Reverend Delwin Vande Krol regarding motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [15-1] (sm) (Entered: 06/11/1992)

PACER
20 June 10, 1992

MEMORANDUM by defendant Mary Piper, defendant James Helling, defendant Crispus Nix in support of motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [15-1] (sm) (Entered: 06/17/1992)

PACER
21 June 29, 1992

MOTION by plaintiff Milton Weir to extend time to respond to defs' m/sj and ORDER by JRR, Clk granting motion [21-1] & ext time an addl 30 days (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 06/29/1992)

PACER
22 July 21, 1992

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for plaintiff Milton Weir by Patrick E. Ingram (cl) (Entered: 07/22/1992)

PACER
23 July 27, 1992

RESISTANCE by plaintiff Milton Weir re: motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [15-1] (Part 1 of 2 for this entry) (lc) (Entered: 07/27/1992)

PACER
23 July 27, 1992

MOTION by plaintiff Milton Weir for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor (Part 2 of 2 for entry #23) (lc) (Entered: 07/27/1992)

PACER
24 July 27, 1992

STATEMENT by plaintiff Milton Weir in support of motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [23-1], in support of motion response [23-1] (lc) (Entered: 07/27/1992)

PACER
July 27, 1992

REMARK: Memo in Resis to Def's M/SJ & in Support of Pltf's M/SJ sent to MWB w/form order - does not have SUBJECT MATTER table of contents (lc) (Entered: 07/27/1992)

PACER
25 July 28, 1992

ORDER Regarding Filing by Magistrate Mark W. Bennett: Memo in resis to def's m/sj & in support of pltf's m/sj defective - no SUBJECT MATTER table of contents; Clk to return document to party who submitted it for filing (cc: all counsel, memo ret'd to atty Ingram) (lc) (Entered: 07/29/1992)

PACER
26 Aug. 3, 1992

SUPPLEMENT by plaintiff Milton Weir re motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [23-1], re resis to m/sj [23- 1] (lc) (Entered: 08/03/1992)

PACER
27 Aug. 3, 1992

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff Milton Weir in support of motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [23-1], of resis to m/sj [23-1] (lc) (Entered: 08/03/1992)

PACER
28 Aug. 4, 1992

MOTION by plaintiff Milton Weir to withdraw attorney Ellsworth before Magistrate Celeste F. Bremer (lc) (Entered: 08/04/1992)

PACER
29 Aug. 5, 1992

MOTION by defendant to extend time to respond to pltf's m/sj and ORDER by JRR, Clk granting motion [29-1] & ext time until 8/17/92 (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 08/05/1992)

PACER
30 Aug. 17, 1992

RESISTANCE by defendants Mary Piper, James Helling, Crispus Nix re: motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [23-1] (lc) (Entered: 08/17/1992)

PACER
31 Aug. 17, 1992

STATEMENT of Material Facts of Which There is No Dispute and in Resis to M/SJ by defendants in support of motion response [30-1] (lc) (Entered: 08/17/1992)

PACER
32 Aug. 17, 1992

MEMORANDUM by defendant in support of resis to m/sj [30-1] (lc) (Entered: 08/17/1992)

PACER
33 Aug. 27, 1992

ORDER by Magistrate Celeste F. Bremer granting motion to withdraw [28-1] attorney BRIAN G ELLSWORTH for Milton Weir (cc: all counsel) (lc) (Entered: 08/27/1992)

PACER
34 Nov. 13, 1992

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff Milton Weir in support of motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [23-1] ***PART 2 OF DOCUMENT #34*** (cl) (Entered: 11/16/1992)

PACER
34 Nov. 13, 1992

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff Milton Weir in opposition motion for summary judgment before Honorable Harold D. Vietor [15-1] ***PART 1 OF DOCUMENT #34*** (cl) (Entered: 11/16/1992)

PACER
35 March 30, 1993

ORDER by Honorable Harold D. Vietor : Defs' m/sj granted as to pltf's claim against def Mary Piper arising out of the 1987 denial of mail. That claim is dismissed with prejudice. Defs' m/sj on pltf's other claims, and pltf's cross-motion for sj are denied. Parties shall file on or before 4/5/93, statements re whether they waive jury trial. [23-1] [15-1] (cc: all counsel) (cl) (Entered: 04/05/1993)

PACER
36 April 6, 1993

REPORT TO THE COURT (STATUS REPORT) by plaintiff Milton Weir (cl) (Entered: 04/08/1993)

PACER
37 June 2, 1993

ORDER by Honorable Harold D. Vietor Case referred to Magistrate Mark W. Bennett for R&R (cc: all counsel) (cl) (Entered: 06/03/1993)

PACER
38 June 15, 1993

MOTION by plaintiff Milton Weir to take depositions at court expense before Magistrate Mark W. Bennett (cl) (Entered: 06/16/1993)

PACER
39 June 25, 1993

ORDER by Magistrate Celeste F. Bremer granting motion to take depositions at court expense [38-1] . Pltf is authorized to take but not transcribe the deposition of Vanderkrol (cc: all counsel) (cl) (Entered: 06/28/1993)

PACER
40 May 9, 1994

MOTION by plaintiff Milton Weir to amend complaint before Magistrate Judge Mark W. Bennett (cl) (Entered: 05/10/1994)

PACER
41 May 13, 1994

STIPULATED WITHDRAWAL OF JURY DEMAND (cl) (Entered: 05/17/1994)

PACER
42 May 17, 1994

RESISTANCE by defendants to motion to amend complaint before Magistrate Judge Mark W. Bennett [40-1] (lc) (Entered: 05/18/1994)

PACER
43 May 18, 1994

CONSENT TO PROCEED BEFORE U.S. MAGISTRATE AND ORDER OF REFERENCE By order of Honorable Harold D. Vietor to Magistrate Judge Mark W. Bennett for all further proceedings (cc: counsel) (cl) (Entered: 05/19/1994)

PACER
44 June 23, 1994

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Mark W. Bennett granting motion to amend complaint [40-1] (cc: all counsel) (sm) (Entered: 06/23/1994)

PACER
45 June 23, 1994

AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINT by plaintiff Milton Weir to [6-1] to complaint, [3-1] to complaint, [2-1] to complaint (sm) (Entered: 06/28/1994)

PACER
46 June 30, 1994

ANSWER by defendant Mary Piper, defendant James Helling, defendant Crispus Nix complaint [6-1], complaint [3-1] (sm) (Entered: 06/30/1994)

PACER
47 Nov. 22, 1994

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters ; Final pretrial cnf (MAG) set for 12/6/94 @ 11:30 (cc: all counsel) (gk) Modified on 11/22/1994 (Entered: 11/22/1994)

PACER
48 Nov. 30, 1994

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters ; Final pretrial cnf (MAG) rescheduled ; final pretrial conf set for 12/5/94 @ 3:30 (cc: all counsel) (gk) (Entered: 11/30/1994)

PACER
49 Dec. 5, 1994

PROPOSED Proposed Pretrial Report submitted by defendant, plaintiff (gk) (Entered: 12/06/1994)

PACER
51 Dec. 6, 1994

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters final pretrial conf. held 12/6/94 , ; Trial set for 12/13/94 @ 9:00 (cc: all counsel) (gk) (Entered: 12/07/1994)

PACER
52 Dec. 15, 1994

CONSENT TO PROCEED BEFORE U.S. MAGISTRATE AND ORDER OF REFERENCE By order of Harold D. Vietor, Judge to Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters for all further proceedings (cc: counsel) (gk) (Entered: 12/15/1994)

PACER
53 Dec. 16, 1994

CLERK'S COURT MINUTES: courtroom clerk: SH, Law Clerk; court reporter: Cheryl Liles; trial begin 12/13/94 , trial end 12/13/94 (gk) (Entered: 12/16/1994)

PACER
54 Dec. 21, 1994

POST TRIAL briefs submitted by plaintiff Milton Weir (gk) (Entered: 12/28/1994)

PACER
55 Jan. 9, 1995

POST-TRIAL briefs submitted by defendant (gk) (Entered: 01/09/1995)

PACER
56 Jan. 10, 1995

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters The court has received a communication from pla about pla's cnsl. That communication is ordered filed and copies shall be sent to cnsl (cc: all counsel) (gk) (Entered: 01/11/1995)

PACER
57 Jan. 10, 1995

LETTER to court "COMPLAINT ABOUT HIS OWN ATTORNEY" from plaintiff Milton Weir (gk) (Entered: 01/11/1995)

PACER
58 May 25, 1995

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND ORDER FOR JUDGMENT: by Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters dismissing case (cc: all counsel) OJ 234-65 (gk) (Entered: 05/30/1995)

PACER
59 May 25, 1995

JUDGMENT: signed by RH re [58-2] order: - It is hereby ordered, adjudged and Decreed that the current practive with respect to the baptism of fundamentalist Christians in protective custody at ISP, wherein inmates in attendance are not afforded and opportunity to witness the immersion portion of the ceremony, is a denial of Pla' Weir's right to exercise his religion as guaranteed to pla by the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedon Restoration Act; It is Further Ordered and Adjudged and Decreed that dft's are hereby enjoined from denying pla an opportunity to witness the immersion portion of the baptismal ceremony involving fundamentalist Christians in protective custody; It is Further Ordered and Adjudged and Decreed that dft's are enjoined from denying pla Weir the Chick Publications described in the Court's findings and said defendants shall initiate appropriate action to ensure that the approved publication list is amended to allow the publications described; It is Further Ordered and Adjudged and Decreed that in all other respects judgment is entered in favor of the def's and against the plaintiff and the Complaint is dismissed. (cc: all counsel) OJ 234-66 (gk) (Entered: 05/30/1995)

PACER
60 June 8, 1995

MOTION by defendant to amend or alter Judgment before Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters (gk) (Entered: 06/08/1995)

PACER
61 June 8, 1995

MEMORANDUM by defendant in support [60-1] of motion to amend or alter Judgment before Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters (gk) (Entered: 06/08/1995)

PACER
62 June 8, 1995

NOTICE OF APPEAL by plaintiff Milton Weir from Dist. Court decision [58-2] cc: all counsel (gk) (Entered: 06/08/1995)

PACER
63 June 28, 1995

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters granting in part motion to amend or alter Judgment [60-1] (cc: all counsel) (gk) (Entered: 06/28/1995)

PACER
64 July 10, 1995

NOTIFICATION by Circuit Court of Appellate Docket Number [62-1] 95-2708SIDM (gk) (Entered: 07/10/1995)

PACER
65 July 11, 1995

NOTICE OF APPEAL by defendant Crispus Nix, defendant Mary Piper, defendant James Helling from Dist. Court decision [58-2], [63-1] cc: all counsel (gk) (Entered: 07/11/1995)

PACER
66 July 12, 1995

MOTION by plaintiff to extend time to request fees before Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer (gk) (Entered: 07/12/1995)

PACER
67 July 20, 1995

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer granting motion to extend time to request fees to 9/1/95 [66-1] (cc: all counsel) (gk) (Entered: 07/20/1995)

PACER
July 20, 1995

RECEIVED [65-1] re appeal fee in amount of $ 105.00 ( Receipt # 044692) (gk) (Entered: 07/21/1995)

PACER
68 July 26, 1995

NOTIFICATION by Circuit Court of Appellate Docket Number [65-1] 95-2865SIDM (gk) (Entered: 07/26/1995)

PACER
69 July 26, 1995

MOTION by defendant to stay pending appeal before Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters (gk) (Entered: 07/26/1995)

PACER
70 July 26, 1995

MEMORANDUM by defendant in support [69-1] of motion to stay pending appeal before Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters (gk) (Entered: 07/26/1995)

PACER
71 Aug. 3, 1995

RESISTANCE (personaly filed to supplement any filings by his attorney) by plaintiff Milton Weir to motion to stay pending appeal before Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters [69-1] (gk) (Entered: 08/07/1995)

PACER
72 Aug. 16, 1995

ORDER by Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters denying in part and granting in part motion to stay pending appeal [69-1] (cc: all counsel) (gk) (Entered: 08/17/1995)

PACER
73 Sept. 20, 1995

TRANSCRIPT DESIGNATION and Ordering Form for dates: 12/13/94 [62-1] (gk) (Entered: 09/20/1995)

PACER
75 Feb. 28, 1996

TRANSCRIPT filed of Proceedings of Trial per order from the 8th circuit. (sm) (Entered: 02/28/1996)

PACER
76 June 16, 1997

COPY of Appellate Court Order: Entered 06/11/97 Affirm Judgment of District Court No.95-2708 and dismiss cross appealno. 95-2865. (don) (Entered: 06/16/1997)

PACER
77 July 8, 1997

CERTIFIED COPY of judgment from USCA affirming the decision of the District Court [65-1], affirming the decision of the District Court [62- 1] (cc: all counsel) (pmb) (Entered: 07/08/1997)

PACER
July 8, 1997

EXHIBIT WITHDRAWAL LETTER: mailed to KRISTIN W ENSIGN for defendant Crispus Nix (pmb) (Entered: 07/08/1997)

PACER
July 8, 1997

REMARK-Exhibits located in brown expand file with the original file in the Closed '97 area. (pmb) (Entered: 07/08/1997)

PACER
July 8, 1997

CERTIFIED COPY of judgment from USCA affirming the decision of the District Court [65-1] (cc: all counsel) (pmb) (Entered: 07/08/1997)

PACER
July 8, 1997

CERTIFIED COPY of judgment from USCA affirming the decision of the District Court [62-1] (cc: all counsel) (pmb) (Entered: 07/08/1997)

PACER
78 May 16, 2000

MOTION FOR REIMBURSEMENT OFOUT OF POCKET EXPENSES by plaintiff Milton Weir for disbursement of out of pocket expenses before Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer (dv) (Entered: 05/16/2000)

PACER
79 June 14, 2000

ORDER ON EXPENSES by Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer granting motion for disbursement of out of pocket expenses before Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer [78-1] (cc: all counsel) (dv) (Entered: 06/14/2000)

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory:

Iowa

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 5, 1991

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Fundamentalist Christian inmate in protective custody sued state prison officials for violations of Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: Unknown

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Iowa State Penitentiary

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Religious Freedom Rest. Act/Religious Land Use and Inst. Persons Act (RFRA/RLUIPA)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Free Exercise Clause

Other Dockets:

Southern District of Iowa 4:91-cv-30463

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit 95-02708

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit 95-02865

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

General/Misc.:

Religious programs / policies

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Protective custody

Recommended Citation