On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, a federal judge ruled in favor of Most & Associates’ client Shawn Briscoe on all claims against a former state corrections officer.

The lawsuit involved a February 3, 2018 incident at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. At 5:35 a.m. on that morning, inmate Briscoe was attacked by another inmate. Security camera footage showed that correctional officer Dallas Stewart went to the tier window and watched as Briscoe was stabbed and burned.

Despite witnessing the attack, Stewart did nothing to intervene, call for help, or provide medical assistance to Briscoe. When Briscoe asked her for help, Stewart told Briscoe to "take your licks." As a result, Briscoe did not receive medical attention for his burns or stab wounds until approximately 8:45 a.m., after Stewart's shift had ended.

Most & Associates brought a federal lawsuit on behalf of Briscoe against Stewart. On July 10, 2023, the parties held a trial in front of Judge Shelly Dick. On July 18, 2023, Judge Dick issued her ruling from the bench. She determined that the plaintiff Shawn Briscoe won on all his claims, including his federal constitutional claims, his state constitutional claim, and his state-law claim. Accordingly, Judge Dick awarded Briscoe damages, attorneys fees, and costs.

David Lanser, the attorney at Most & Associates who led the representation of Mr. Briscoe, commented: "Freedom from violence is a human right, but it is one rarely afforded to people who are incarcerated. It is a relief to see a rare instance of accountability, as prison officials are routinely let off the hook for failing the people who rely on them for safety and care."

The case is Briscoe v. LeBlanc, 19-cv-00029-SDD-SDJ (M.D. La.).