Opinion ID: 3013430
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Scope of S 1997e(e)

Text: Section 1997e(e)’s requirement that a prisoner demonstrate physical injury before he can recover for mental or emotional injury applies only to claims for compensatory damages. Claims seeking nominal or punitive damages are typically not for mental or emotional injury but rather to vindicate constitutional rights or to deter or punish egregious violations of constitutional rights, respectively. See Allah v. Al-Hafeez, 226 F.3d 247, 252 (3d Cir. 2000). Accordingly, regardless how we construe S 1997e(e)’s physical injury requirement, it will not affect Mitchell’s ability to seek nominal or punitive damages for violations of his constitutional rights.8 We also agree with several other courts of appeals that S 1997e(e) does not apply to claims seeking injunctive or declaratory relief.9 See Thompson v. Carter, 284 F.3d 411, _________________________________________________________________ 8. Mitchell’s complaint specifically requests punitive damages but not nominal damages. As for the latter, however, it is not necessary to allege nominal damages. Allah, 226 F.3d at 251 (quoting Basista v. Weir, 340 F.2d 74, 87 (3d Cir. 1965)) (internal quotation marks omitted). Moreover, Mitchell’s complaint seeks other relief as it may appear the plaintiff is entitled. We construe this catch-all prayer broadly to include a request for nominal damages. Furthermore, he has requested nominal damages in this appeal. 9. We express no opinion, however, as to whether Mitchell has standing to bring a claim for equitable relief in light of the requirement, enunciated in Los Angeles v. Lyons, 461 U.S. 95, 105 (1983), that a plaintiff seeking equitable relief demonstrate that his injury is likely to be repeated. 13 418 (2d Cir. 2002) (Section 1997e(e) does not prevent a prisoner from obtaining injunctive or declaratory relief.); Harris v. Garner, 190 F.3d 1279, 1288 (11th Cir. 1999), vacated and reh’g en banc granted, 197 F.3d 1059 (11th Cir. 1999), reinstated in part on reh’g, 216 F.3d 970 (11th Cir. 2000) (en banc), cert. denied, 532 U.S. 1065 (2001) (same); Harper v. Showers, 174 F.3d. 716, 719 (5th Cir. 1999) (same); Perkins v. Kan. Dep’t of Corr., 165 F.3d 803, 808 (10th Cir. 1999) (same); Davis v. Dist. of Columbia, 158 F.3d 1342, 1346 (D.C. Cir. 1998) (same); Zehner v. Trigg, 133 F.3d 459, 462-63 (7th Cir. 1997) (same). Again, such claims seek not to remedy mental injury suffered but rather relief from ongoing or future constitutional violations. Moreover, S 1997e(e)’s reference to remedies for mental injuries suffered -- in the past tense-- implies that it does not restrict prospective equitable relief. See Harris, 190 F.3d at 1288; Davis, 158 F.3d at 1346. 10