Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Doe v. Delie

Dismissal of 1983 case, based on prison officials' failure to keep plaintiff inmate's HIV-positive status confidential, affirmed because 14th Amendment's protection of an inmate's right to medical privacy was not clearly established at time of defendants' conduct, and defendants were, therefore, entitled to qualified immunity.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Argued September 11, 2000

John Doe, a former inmate of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, is HIV-positive. He was informed by the medical staff at the State Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh (SCIP) that his medical condition would be kept confidential. However, because of certain practices permitted by prison officials, Doe’s condition was not kept confidential. Doe sued under 42 U.S.C.S 1983, claiming that prison practices violated his right to medical privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment and under the Pennsylvania Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information Act, 35 P.S. S 7601 et seq. The District Court granted defendants’ motions to dismiss the S 1983 claims on the basis of qualified immunity, declined jurisdiction over the state claims, and dismissed the case.

Although we ultimately agree that defendants ar e entitled to qualified immunity, we do not agree with the District Court’s reasoning. We hold that the Fourteenth Amendment protects an inmate’s right to medical privacy, subject to legitimate penological interests. However , because this right was not clearly established at the time of defendants’ conduct, we will affirm the dismissal of Doe’s complaint.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Consulting Best Firms to Work For 2024
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More
General Counsel Conference Southwest 2024
September 18, 2024 - September 19, 2024
Dallas, TX

Join General Counsel and Senior Legal Leaders at the Premier Forum Designed For and by General Counsel from Fortune 1000 Companies


Learn More
Women, Influence & Power in Law US Awards 2024
September 24, 2024
Chicago, IL

Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards honors women lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
New Jersey Law Revision Commission Full-time staff attorney position

The New Jersey Law Revision Commission, an independent legislative commission (N.J.S. 1:12A-1 et seq.), seeks a NJ-licensed atty in good sta...


Apply Now ›
Associate General Counsel for Litigation

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is looking for a passionate and dedicated individual with extensive litigation experience as well as o...


Apply Now ›
Finance/Corporate Trust Attorney - CT or Remote

We are seeking an attorney with a minimum of four years of experience in transactional work to join our well-established, nationally renowne...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs