Goldey v. Fields

In Goldey v. Fields, the Court considered whether an implied damages action under Bivens v. Six Unknown Fed. Narcotics Agents can be extended to cover an Eighth Amendment excessive-force claim against federal prison officials.The Supreme Court of the United States held that a damages remedy under Bivens v. Six Unknown Federal Narcotics Agents does not extend to allow an Eighth Amendment excessive-force claim by a federal prisoner against federal prison officials. Specifically:The Court concluded the claim “arises in a new context,” and that “special factors” counseled against creating or extending a Bivens cause of action in this situation.The Court reversed the Fourth Circuit’s ruling that the prisoner could proceed under Bivens and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with that determination.The opinion is presented here in its entirety, but with citations omitted. If you appreciate this episode, please subscribe. Thank you.