Davidson v. Cannon U.S. Sup. Ct.,

474 U.S. 344, l06 S.Ct. 668 (1986)

Facts

Davidson (P), an inmate, notified Cannon (D), a prison official, that another inmate had threatened him. No action was taken, and P was attacked. P sued; D's negligence constituted a violation of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 and was a denial of due process. The trial court awarded damages. The court of appeals reversed; negligent conduct could not support a Section 1983 cause of action. P appealed. This case was set for oral arguments with Daniels v. Williams.