Opinion ID: 3000517
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Adequate Written Statement

Text: Due process requires that an inmate subject to disciplinary action is provided “a written statement by the factfinders as to the evidence relied on and the reasons for the disciplinary actions.” Forbes, 976 F.2d at 318 (quoting Wolff, 418 U.S. at 564-65). Written statements ensure both administrative accountability and meaningful review. Chavis v. Rowe, 643 F.2d 1281, 1287 (7th Cir. 1981). The written statement requirement, however, is not onerous. See, e.g., Pardo v. Hosier, 946 F.2d 1278, 1284 (7th Cir. 1991); Culbert v. Young, 834 F.2d 624, 629 (7th No. 05-4238 9 Cir. 1987); Saenz v. Young, 811 F.2d 1172, 1173-74 (7th Cir. 1987). The statement need only illuminate the evidentiary basis and reasoning behind the decision. Forbes, 976 F.2d at 318; Saenz, 811 F.2d at 1173-74. We have repeatedly upheld the sufficiency of written statements that indicate only what evidence was relied on to make the decision, and why. Saenz, 811 F.2d at 117374 (“Officer Fabry’s written statement supports the finding of guilt that an attempt was made by inmate Saenz to commit battery upon the [other] inmate.”); Culbert, 834 F.2d at 627 (Guilt based “on statements in C.R. [conduct report] by Staff in guilt finding that inmate was disrespectful [and] caused a disruption by his actions.”). In Scruggs’s case, the CAB indicated what types of evidence it used to make its decision, and explained that Scruggs “admitted to striking [Robbins] ‘a couple of frantic hard hits’ w/ his cane,” and that Robbins was “summarily hospitalized.” App. Br. 25. This statement demonstrates that the CAB relied on Scruggs’s admission in making its determination, as well as the severity of the injuries he inflicted on Robbins. As the CAB has accepted Scruggs’s own version of events, it does not need to further explain the evidentiary basis for its ruling. The written statement issued by the CAB was sufficient to meet the demands of due process.