Opinion ID: 707800
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: access to courts claim

Text: 63 The alleged denial of legal materials in the segregation unit did not deprive the plaintiff of meaningful access to the courts. A plaintiff seeking damages for denial of access to the courts must show prejudice. Shango v. Jurich, 965 F.2d 289 (7th Cir.1992). Such an allegation must be more than merely conclusory; a complaint is inadequate if it offers no specific facts to support these allegations--no court dates missed; no inability to make timely filings; no denial of legal assistance to which he was entitled; and no loss of a case which could have been won. Id. 64 Even if the defendants did refuse to honor the plaintiff's requests for legal assistance [which they deny], the plaintiff has not demonstrated any detriment to his litigation. Certainly, the plaintiff's appeal was not harmed by the mere necessity of filing a motion for an extension of time. Moreover, the court's docket shows that the plaintiff was able to prepare an opposing brief and memorandum of law in Case Number 90-1207, belying his claim that he had insufficient legal access. 7 65