Document: 392 U.S. 639 88 S.Ct. 2119 20 L.Ed.2d 1319 Joseph M. HOUGHTONv.SHAFER, Governor, et al. No. 668, Misc. Decided June 17, 1968. William C. Sennett, Atty. Gen. of Pennsylvania, Frank P. Lawley, Jr., Deputy Gen., and Edward Friedman, for respondents. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner was convicted burglary is serving a sentence four to 10 years in Pennsylvania state prison. In pursuing his appeal pro se petitioner acquired law books, trial records, other materials with the consent prison authorities. Before had filed brief, authorities confiscated these because they were found possession another inmate. Petitioner's efforts obtain return not successful, he commenced this action United States District Court, claiming that violated § Civil Rights Act 1871, 17 Stat. 13, now 42 U.S.C. 1983, by depriving him legal materials. The Court dismissed complaint on sole ground alleged exhaustion administrative remedies, citing Gaito v. Prasse, 312 F.2d 169 (C.A.3d Cir.) Appeals Third Circuit affirmed without opinion. We grant petition certiorari reverse judgment Appeals. 2 pursuant rules forbidding articles sold through canteen or approved unauthorized loaning books According inmates' handbook, could have taken problem 'Classification Treatment Clinic'; it also privilege 'to address communication at any time Superintendent, Commissioner Correction, as final appeal, Attorney General.' did seek relief from Superintendent prison, but result. He told, says, 'leave well enough alone.' His mother's telephone calls correspondence likewise unavailing. has not, however, an Commissioner, General. 3 As we understand submission General validly correctly applied petitioner; are further said be strictly enforced throughout entire correctional system Pennsylvania. light seems likely require would demand futile act. event, resort remedies unnecessary our decisions Monroe Pape, 365 167, 180 183, 81 473, 482, 5 492; McNeese Board Education, 373 671, 83 1433, 1435; Damico California, 389 416, 526, 19 647. On basis decisions, intimating opinion merits underlying controversy concerning rules, motion proceed forma pauperis granted, reversed case remanded proceedings consistent 4 Reversed remanded.

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