Although an inmates rights are specifically guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, it can be very difficult to sue for and recover damages against the government. This is because of a principle called “Sovereign Immunity,” which protects both the Federal government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from most legal claims.
What is a civil rights claim?
Your Civil Rights have been violated. What next?
Filing a Medical Negligence Claim Against Prison Officials
Suing the King - Sovereign Immunity and its Exceptions
In old England, while the system of law we still use today was being developed, kings realized that the courts they were setting up might leave them vulnerable to being sued by their own subjects. In response, the principle of sovereign immunity was developed and enshrined as law: you cannot sue the king.