Opinion ID: 452517
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Violation of Corrections Department Regulations

Text: 6 Accepting Baker's statement of the facts, there was a violation of department policy. The department's regulations provide that an inmate placed in administrative segregation is entitled to the same procedure as one placed in punitive segregation. See Department Regulations Sec. 4.601(5). The procedure calls for a hearing. See Department Regulations Sec. 4.601(3). 7 It does not appear, though, that Baker is entitled to any relief for this violation. He claims that the violation of regulations renders inappropriate summary judgment on the issues of immunity and liability. This is incorrect. The violation of the regulations is significant only if it amounts to a due process violation. Bills v. Henderson, 631 F.2d 1287 (6th Cir. 1980). The regulations are guidelines, implemented by the department to conform its procedures to the due process requirements announced in Crafton v. Luttrell, 378 F. Supp. 521 (M.D. Tenn. 1973). Tennessee law does not appear to provide any procedure by which an inmate may seek to redress a violation of the regulations. The mere violation of a regulation is not a constitutional violation.