R. Derrickson v. C. Hays, J. Wetzel ( 2019 )


Menu:
  •             IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Rodney Derrickson,                            :
    Petitioner        :
    :
    v.                       :   No. 467 M.D. 2017
    :   Submitted: November 2, 2018
    Cindy Hays, John Wetzel,                      :
    Respondents            :
    BEFORE:       HONORABLE RENÉE COHN JUBELIRER, Judge
    HONORABLE PATRICIA A. McCULLOUGH, Judge
    HONORABLE CHRISTINE FIZZANO CANNON, Judge
    OPINION NOT REPORTED
    MEMORANDUM OPINION BY
    JUDGE COHN JUBELIRER                              FILED: February 8, 2019
    Presently before this Court are a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
    (Motion) filed by John Wetzel, Secretary of Corrections (Secretary Wetzel), and an
    Application for Summary Relief (Application) filed by Rodney Derrickson
    (Derrickson), pro se, an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Forest (SCI-
    Forest). In October 2017, Derrickson filed a Petition for Review in this Court’s
    original jurisdiction seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for alleged violations
    of his First Amendment rights.            Derrickson corresponded with an outside
    organization and was suspended shortly thereafter from his position as vice president
    of an inmate organization.1 In the Motion, Secretary Wetzel argues Derrickson’s
    1
    Derrickson initially named as respondents in his Petition for Review Secretary Wetzel
    and Cindy Hays (Hays), the activities manager at SCI-Forest. Secretary Wetzel and Hays filed
    suspension is not a final order reviewable by this Court, and Derrickson has not
    alleged either a violation of his First Amendment rights or a right to the relief he
    seeks. Derrickson, contesting the Motion and seeking summary relief on his behalf,
    argues this Court has jurisdiction over his constitutional claim and his right to relief
    under the First Amendment is clear. We deny Secretary Wetzel’s Motion and deny
    Derrickson’s Application.
    Initially, we note that “[b]oth an application for summary relief . . . and a
    motion for judgment on the pleadings . . . seek similar relief.” Pa. Indep. Oil & Gas
    Ass’n v. Dep’t of Envtl. Prot., 
    146 A.3d 820
    , 821 n.3 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2016), aff’d, 
    161 A.3d 949
     (Pa. 2017).          A motion for judgment on the pleadings, pursuant to
    Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1034, Pa.R.C.P. No. 1034, filed in our
    “original jurisdiction is in the nature of a demurrer,” and will be “granted only when
    there is no genuine issue of fact, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a
    matter of law.” Corman v. Nat’l Collegiate Athletic Ass’n, 
    93 A.3d 1
    , 15 (Pa.
    Cmwlth. 2014). Summary relief is granted pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of
    Appellate Procedure 1532(b), Pa.R.A.P. 1532(b), “where no material fact is in
    dispute and the right of the moving party to relief is clear.” Brown v. Pa. Dep’t of
    Corr., 
    932 A.2d 316
    , 318 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2007). Applications for summary relief are
    “denied where there are material facts in dispute or it is not clear that the applicant
    is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Jackson v. Commonwealth, 
    143 A.3d 468
    , 472 n.6 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2016). With these standards in mind, we turn to the facts
    that are currently undisputed by the parties.
    preliminary objections, which we sustained in part and overruled in part by opinion filed April 3,
    2018. In so doing, we dismissed the action against Hays for lack of original jurisdiction because
    she is not a statewide officer. Derrickson v. Hays (Pa. Cmwlth., No. 467 M.D. 2017, filed April
    3, 2018), slip op. at 3.
    2
    I. Facts
    Derrickson served as vice president of Hope for Change (HFC), an inmate
    organization at SCI-Forest. (Petition for Review ¶ 5.) On August 1, 2017, Activities
    Manager Cindy Hays (Hays), in the role of HFC’s staff coordinator, informed HFC’s
    executive board that Fight for Lifers, an outside organization, had contacted SCI-
    Forest’s superintendent about setting up a meeting. Derrickson then informed Hays
    that he had corresponded with Fight for Lifers previously and instructed the
    organization to contact the superintendent to ask about working with HFC. (Petition
    for Review ¶ 6; Secretary Wetzel’s Answer and New Matter ¶ 6.) Hays told
    Derrickson that inmates are not permitted to write correspondence to outside
    organizations without prior approval. (Petition for Review ¶ 7; Secretary Wetzel’s
    Answer and New Matter ¶ 7.) Hays then informed the HFC executive board that the
    superintendent wanted the HFC executive board to take action relative to
    Derrickson’s correspondence. The executive board voted to suspend Derrickson
    from the position of vice president for five months. (Petition for Review ¶ 9;
    Secretary Wetzel’s Answer and New Matter ¶ 9.)
    In his Petition for Review, Derrickson requests a declaration recognizing his
    “First    Amendment      right   to   communicate    with   outside   prison   reform
    organizations/groups,” and an order declaring unconstitutional any policy that
    prohibits him from sending outgoing mail to these organizations. (Petition for
    Review, Wherefore Clause ¶¶ 1, 2.) He also seeks an injunction enjoining Secretary
    Wetzel from interfering with his “First Amendment Right to freely communicate
    with outside organizations/groups,” interfering with his “expressive association
    rights in his status as vice[]president of the HFC organization,” and “[r]etaliating,
    3
    harassing[,] and/or administratively sanctioning [him] for engaging in” that activity.
    (Id. ¶ 3.)
    Secretary Wetzel filed preliminary objections to Derrickson’s Petition for
    Review that we denied in part, ordering him to file an Answer. Secretary Wetzel
    filed an Answer and New Matter, to which Derrickson responded. Thereafter,
    Secretary Wetzel filed the Motion, and Derrickson filed the Application currently
    before this Court.
    II. Secretary Wetzel’s Motion
    Secretary Wetzel asks us to grant his Motion and advances three
    arguments2 in support: (1) this Court does not have jurisdiction over Derrickson’s
    claim; (2) Derrickson has not shown a right to relief under the First Amendment;
    and (3) Derrickson is not entitled to the relief he seeks. We will address these in
    turn.
    a. Whether this Court has Jurisdiction over Derrickson’s Claim
    Secretary Wetzel argues that Derrickson’s suspension from the HFC
    executive board is not a final adjudication by a Commonwealth agency over which
    this Court has either original or appellate jurisdiction. Comparing Derrickson’s
    claim to inmate grievances over which this Court has declined jurisdiction in the
    past, Secretary Wetzel contends the HFC executive board’s decision to suspend
    Derrickson is merely an “internal prison procedure[].” (Secretary Wetzel’s Brief
    (Br.) at 15.) Secretary Wetzel emphasizes the deference afforded prison officials
    2
    We have rearranged Secretary Wetzel’s arguments for ease of discussion.
    4
    “with regard to such internal management matters” and urges this Court to grant the
    Motion. (Id. at 18.)
    Derrickson argues in response that he has raised a constitutional claim, the
    violation of his First Amendment rights, over which this Court has original
    jurisdiction. Derrickson asserts that his claim is not a challenge to his suspension,
    but rather a challenge to “the infringement of his general First Amendment right to
    communicate and associate by mail with an outside organization.” (Derrickson’s
    Br. at 16.) Derrickson also challenges Hays’ directive to the HFC executive board
    to take action against Derrickson for exercising his First Amendment rights.
    This Court has original jurisdiction over civil actions “[a]gainst the
    Commonwealth government, including any officer thereof, acting in his official
    capacity.” Section 761(a)(1)(i) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa. C.S. § 761(a)(1)(i).
    While this Court may not review inmate grievances, we may exercise our original
    jurisdiction where the claim involves “the violation of a specific constitutional
    right.” Bronson v. Cent. Office Review Comm., 
    721 A.2d 357
    , 359 (Pa. 1998). As
    such, we have rejected claims seeking review of inmate grievance procedures under
    the guise of constitutional violations. In Shore v. Pennsylvania Department of
    Corrections, a petitioner filed a claim in our original jurisdiction alleging that the
    Department’s procedure for denying access to photographs mailed to inmates was
    unconstitutional under the First Amendment. 
    168 A.3d 374
    , 377-78 (Pa. Cmwlth.
    2017). The petitioner filed his claim with this Court only after he was unsuccessful
    in pursuing an inmate grievance.       In ruling on the Department’s preliminary
    objections, we rejected the petitioner’s First Amendment argument on the basis that
    the policy was constitutional on its face and the inmate had not alleged facts to
    undermine a legitimate penological interest. Id. at 380. Further, to the extent that
    5
    the petitioner argued the grievance officer applied the Department’s policy in an
    unconstitutional manner, we determined we did not have original jurisdiction to
    consider that claim. Id. We concluded we lacked original jurisdiction because the
    petitioner “essentially dispute[d] the applicability of the [Department’s] policy on a
    factual level,” and not the violation of a specific constitutional right. Id. at 381.
    We note first that Derrickson brought his claim in our original jurisdiction and
    does not challenge the outcome of any internal grievance procedures he initiated, so
    we need not determine whether we would have appellate jurisdiction over the claim.
    As it relates to our original jurisdiction, Derrickson’s claim is properly before this
    Court because it is a challenge regarding alleged violations of his specific
    constitutional rights under the First Amendment. Contrary to Secretary Wetzel’s
    contention, Derrickson does not claim that his suspension as HFC vice president is
    a constitutional violation. Instead, Derrickson argues that a Department policy
    requiring prior approval before he can communicate with outside organizations
    violates his constitutional rights. Although Derrickson did initiate inmate grievances
    prior to this litigation, which were unsuccessful, Derrickson does not challenge the
    outcome of those inmate grievances now. Unlike the petitioner in Shore, Derrickson
    does not dispute a grievance officer’s application of the policy, but argues the
    constitutionality of that policy. We have original jurisdiction over Derrickson’s
    claim.
    b. Whether Derrickson has shown a right to relief for infringement on his First
    Amendment Rights
    Secretary Wetzel argues that he is entitled to judgment on the pleadings
    because the Department did not violate Derrickson’s First Amendment rights, as
    Derrickson’s right to communicate with outside organizations is subject to
    6
    “legitimate penological concerns” in order to “further the efficient operation of the
    inmate group as well as the institution.” (Motion ¶ 7(a), (e)-(f).) Specifically,
    Secretary Wetzel proffers that “the Department has an interest in making sure that
    the personal views of [HFC b]oard members are not confused with those of inmate
    groups.” (Secretary Wetzel’s Br. at 17.) Further, Secretary Wetzel contends that
    the Department did not retaliate against Derrickson for his speech, but rather the
    HFC executive board made the decision to suspend Derrickson from his position
    pursuant to the organization’s bylaws. Additionally, Secretary Wetzel argues that
    Derrickson has not established the elements of a retaliation claim.
    In response, Derrickson contends the Department has no explicit rule
    requiring prior approval before an inmate can respond to personal correspondence
    received from an organization. Derrickson argues that the Department “lack[s] any
    penological justification for restricting” his right to respond to such correspondence.
    (Derrickson’s Br. at 9.)     Further, Derrickson disputes that he ever alleged a
    retaliation claim, as Secretary Wetzel contends, but argues his First Amendment
    rights to communicate and associate are violated by the Department’s policy
    restricting his correspondence with an outside organization.
    In analyzing First Amendment claims by inmates, we look first to see whether
    the inmate has alleged an infringement of a constitutional right. If so, we then
    determine whether the “infringement rises to the level of a constitutional violation,
    given the” unique standard applied to inmates. Brown, 
    932 A.2d at 318
     (internal
    quotation marks and citation omitted). Simply because a “legal mail policy burdens
    inmates’ First Amendment rights does not compel a conclusion that the policy is
    unconstitutional.” 
    Id. at 319
    . Because inmates maintain their First Amendment
    rights to correspond via mail, prison officials cannot “censor inmate correspondence
    7
    simply to eliminate unflattering or unwelcome opinions,” unless that censorship
    furthers an interest such as security or order. Brooks v. Andolina, 
    826 F.2d 1266
    ,
    1268 (3d Cir. 1987) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Therefore,
    “when a prison regulation impinges on inmates’ constitutional rights, the regulation
    is valid if it is reasonably related to legitimate penological interests.” Turner v.
    Safley, 
    482 U.S. 78
    , 89 (1987). For policies restricting an inmate’s outgoing mail,
    we apply a test to determine “whether the regulation furthers an important or
    substantial government interest unrelated to the suppression of expression and
    whether the regulation is no more intrusive than is necessary to protect that interest.”
    Hamm v. Rendell, 166 F. App’x. 599, 603 (3d Cir. 2006) (citing Procunier v.
    Martinez, 
    416 U.S. 369
     (1974) (overruled in part on other grounds)3). In analyzing
    whether there is a legitimate penological interest, we give substantial deference to
    prison administrators and officials. Bussinger v. Dep’t of Corr., 
    29 A.3d 79
    , 84 (Pa.
    Cmwlth. 2011), aff’d, 
    65 A.3d 289
     (Pa. 2013). However, there has been less
    deference afforded to prison officials with regard to restrictions on outgoing, as
    compared to incoming, mail because the security concerns arising out of outgoing
    mail “are of a categorically lesser magnitude.” Castle v. Clymer, 
    15 F. Supp. 2d 640
    , 661 (E.D. Pa. 1998) (quoting Thornburgh v. Abbott, 
    490 U.S. 401
    , 413 (1989).
    This Court has recognized various legitimate penological interests, including:
    (a) maintaining internal security for the protection of prison employers,
    prisoners, and visitors; (b) deterring the use of drugs and alcohol in
    prisons; (c) preventing future crime; (d) the rehabilitation of inmates;
    (e) fair and appropriate treatment among inmates; (f) curbing sexually-
    offensive behavior in the prison; and (g) controlling/eliminating the
    flow of contraband in prisons.
    3
    The test set forth in Procunier has been overruled as to incoming mail, but still applies to
    restrictions concerning outgoing mail. See Thornburgh v. Abbott, 
    490 U.S. 401
    , 413 (1989).
    8
    Bussinger, 
    29 A.3d at 87
    . Keeping these standards in mind, we look to the specific
    allegations of Derrickson’s claim.
    Derrickson and Secretary Wetzel agree that Derrickson has a constitutional
    right to communicate via mail. (Petition for Review ¶¶ 10-11; Secretary Wetzel’s
    Answer and New Matter ¶ 40; Secretary Wetzel’s Br. at 11.) However, there are
    further disputes of material fact between the parties that preclude us from
    determining whether there is an infringement of that right, and, if so, whether the
    infringement amounts to a constitutional violation. The parties disagree about
    almost all aspects of the disputed correspondence including its content, the capacity
    in which Derrickson sent it, and whether it was previously approved. Derrickson
    contends that he corresponded with Fight for Lifers in a personal capacity, and not
    as a representative of HFC. (Petition for Review ¶ 6; Derrickson’s Answer to New
    Matter ¶ 6.) Derrickson also provides a sworn affidavit by HFC president Kenneth
    Mueses (Mueses), in which Mueses states that Derrickson was not required to obtain
    executive board approval “to respond to any personal mail he personally received
    from outside organizations.” (Application, App. A.) Secretary Wetzel does not
    specifically respond to this; however, his argument hinges upon the contention that
    Derrickson ran afoul of the Department’s policy because he sent the correspondence
    on behalf of the organization. Neither party has produced a copy of Derrickson’s
    letter to Fight for Lifers.
    Further, Secretary Wetzel argues that Derrickson was previously instructed
    not to correspond with outside organizations without approval. (Secretary Wetzel’s
    Answer and New Matter ¶¶ 7, 28.) Yet, Derrickson contends otherwise, denying
    that he was ever previously notified that correspondence with outside organizations
    required approval. (Derrickson’s Answer to New Matter ¶ 28.) It is also unclear
    9
    whether Derrickson’s correspondence was, in fact, approved in the first place.
    Derrickson cites to the HFC meeting minutes from August 1, 2017, which report that
    Derrickson stated “the executive [board] had approved the proposals for the Let’s
    get free commutation seminar and contact letters ha[d] been sent out by [Hays]
    herself.” (Petition for Review, App. B at 2; Secretary Wetzel’s Answer and New
    Matter, Ex. A.) Whether the communication was approved, as Derrickson contends,
    goes directly to questions relating to the applicability of the policy at issue and
    whether it infringed upon Derrickson’s rights.                  Finally, as for the legitimate
    penological interests proffered by Secretary Wetzel, such as keeping separate the
    views of individual inmates from those of the HFC, it remains unclear whether they
    are interests of the Department or merely interests of HFC and other inmate
    organizations.
    These facts surrounding Derrickson’s correspondence are essential to a
    determination of whether and to what extent the Department has a legitimate
    penological interest, and, thus, whether there is a constitutional violation of
    Derrickson’s First Amendment rights. Given this, we cannot find that Secretary
    Wetzel currently has a clear right to relief.
    To the extent Derrickson alleges a retaliation claim, 4 the disputes of material
    fact again preclude us from presently determining that Secretary Wetzel is entitled
    to judgment on the pleadings. In order to succeed on a First Amendment retaliation
    4
    Although Secretary Wetzel’s argument focuses almost exclusively on Derrickson’s
    inability to establish a retaliation claim, we note that Derrickson does not allege a retaliation claim
    in his Petition for Review. Derrickson seeks an injunction enjoining Secretary Wetzel from
    retaliating against him for his speech, but does not allege that Secretary Wetzel retaliated against
    him for his correspondence to Fight for Lifers. Additionally, Derrickson argues in his brief that
    he “never plead [sic] a retaliation claim,” but rather “raised a First Amendment violation claim
    asking this Court to recognize his free speech right to communicate by mail, and to freely associate
    with outside prisoner advocacy organizations and groups.” (Derrickson’s Br. at 9.)
    10
    claim, a petitioner must state sufficient facts showing the petitioner “(1) . . . engaged
    in constitutionally protected conduct; (2) the retaliation against that conduct resulted
    in adverse action; (3) the protected conduct was a substantial and motivating factor
    for the retaliation; and (4) the retaliatory action did not further a legitimate
    penological goal.” Richardson v. Wetzel, 
    74 A.3d 353
    , 357 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2013).
    Both parties agree that Derrickson engaged in a constitutionally protected activity.
    Again, however, they dispute material factual issues relating to determination of the
    other three elements. First and foremost, Secretary Wetzel argues that there was no
    adverse action, asserting that Derrickson was only temporarily suspended as HFC
    vice president for five months, which “would not deter a person of ordinary
    firmness.” (Secretary Wetzel’s Br. at 11.) Additionally, Secretary Wetzel disagrees
    that any adverse action occurred at the hands of the Department, arguing that it was
    on the HFC executive board’s own initiative, not Hays’ direction, that Derrickson
    was suspended from his position.
    Secretary Wetzel also asserts that the HFC executive board made the final
    decision to suspend Derrickson as vice president pursuant to its own bylaws, and
    therefore Derrickson’s protected conduct was not a motivating factor for his
    suspension. Specifically, Secretary Wetzel cites to Article 16 of HFC’s bylaws,
    which states that “[a]ny [b]oard [m]ember may be removed as a result of conduct
    detrimental to the [o]rganization’s best interests and/or good name.” (Secretary
    Wetzel’s Answer and New Matter ¶ 35, Ex. F, HFC’s Bylaws.) Secretary Wetzel
    also relies upon Department Policy 7.8.1(A)(3), which reserves for prison
    administration “the option of dismissing from chapter membership any member,
    including officers, for behavior detrimental to the chapter’s operation within the
    11
    facility including incompetence or mismanagement.”5 (Secretary Wetzel’s Answer
    and New Matter ¶ 33, Ex. D, Department Policy 7.8.1(A)(3).) According to
    Secretary Wetzel, Derrickson’s suspension as HFC vice president was pursuant to
    these policies, which reflect a legitimate penological interest, and are not a violation
    of or retaliation for Derrickson’s exercise of his First Amendment rights.
    Derrickson disagrees, asserting that Hays directed the HFC executive board
    to take action against him. Derrickson supports this with Mueses’ affidavit, which
    states that Derrickson’s “suspension was from the direction[] of . . . Cindy Hays[] at
    the executive board meeting held on August 1, 2017.” (Application, App. A.)
    Derrickson admits the existence of the HFC bylaws and Department Policy 7.8.1.
    Yet, because of the factual disputes between the parties, we cannot determine
    whether Derrickson’s conduct violated those policies by demonstrating
    mismanagement of HFC, in violation of HFC’s bylaws, or acting in a manner
    detrimental to the organization, contrary to Department Policy 7.8.1. Furthermore,
    these policies and Derrickson’s suspension are not the focus of Derrickson’s
    contention in his Petition for Review.               (See Derrickson’s Br. at 9.)        Instead,
    Derrickson challenges a policy prohibiting his communication with outside
    organizations without prior approval as violating his First Amendment rights. (Id.
    at 9, 14.)
    5
    In no pleading does Secretary Wetzel cite to a specific Department rule that prohibits
    inmates from contacting outside organizations on behalf of an inmate organization without prior
    approval. Nonetheless, we note that Department Policy 7.8.1(A)(2) states in relevant part that the
    signature of the organization’s staff coordinator “shall appear on all correspondence, memos, etc.,
    which are initiated from the organization.” (Secretary Wetzel’s Answer and New Matter, Ex. D,
    Department Policy 7.8.1(A)(2).) However, it is unclear whether this policy applies here, as
    Derrickson alleges his correspondence was personal.
    12
    The existence of such disputed material facts prevents us from granting
    Secretary Wetzel’s Motion with regard to whether there is an established
    constitutional violation and, inasmuch as Derrickson alleges one, a retaliation claim.
    c. Whether Derrickson has a Clear Right to Declaratory Judgment and
    Injunctive Relief
    Finally, Secretary Wetzel contends that Derrickson has not shown that he is
    entitled to declaratory or injunctive relief. Secretary Wetzel argues Derrickson has
    not shown that a declaration “will be of practical help in ending the controversy.”
    (Secretary Wetzel’s Br. at 19.) Further, Secretary Wetzel asserts that Derrickson has
    not pled facts showing that he is legally entitled to communicate with outside groups
    without restriction and that he would suffer irreparable harm without the injunction.
    Derrickson responds that he has a clear right to the relief he seeks because his
    loss of First Amendment rights amounts to an irreparable injury, particularly as it
    relates to his suspension from the HFC executive board. Derrickson contends that
    the Department’s policy restricting inmate communication with outside
    organizations without prior approval constitutes an imminent threat to First
    Amendment rights that is the proper subject of injunctive relief.
    This Court has “the power to declare rights, status, and other legal relations
    whether or not further relief is or could be claimed.” Section 7532 of the Declaratory
    Judgments Act, 42 Pa. C.S. § 7532. Derrickson seeks a declaration that he has a
    First Amendment right to communicate with outside organizations and that a policy
    restricting that right is unconstitutional. As established above, while Derrickson
    does have a right to communicate via the mail while he is incarcerated, subject to
    restrictions, Brown, 
    932 A.2d at 319
    , it is unclear at this stage of the litigation
    whether Derrickson has established a violation of that right. Because there are
    13
    remaining questions of fact relevant to Derrickson’s letter and, in turn, the
    Department’s alleged legitimate penological interest, we cannot assess whether
    Derrickson has a right to declaratory relief.
    Derrickson has also requested an injunction. In order to establish a right to
    permanent injunctive relief, petitioners must show “(1) the right to relief is clear,
    (2) the injunction is necessary to avoid an injury that cannot be compensated by
    damages, and (3) that greater injury will result if the court does not grant the
    injunction than if it does.” Mazin v. Bureau of Prof’l & Occupational Affairs, 
    950 A.2d 382
    , 389 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2008).
    Presently, we cannot agree with Secretary Wetzel that Derrickson has not
    shown a right to injunctive relief. Not only is Derrickson’s right to relief uncertain,
    but there remains a dispute about the injury Derrickson suffered. Secretary Wetzel
    contends that Derrickson was “only temporarily suspended” as vice president and is
    not restricted from any and all communication with outside organizations.
    (Secretary Wetzel’s Br. at 20.) Derrickson responds that he is now apprehensive to
    write to outside organizations, including those to which he is an advisor, because of
    this incident. Derrickson also asserts that Hays has advised him he may no longer
    run for a position on the executive board as a result of his suspension. (Derrickson’s
    Br. at 19.) The resolution of these factual disputes is necessary in order for us to
    determine whether there may be a right to injunctive relief. Without these necessary
    facts established, we are constrained to deny Secretary Wetzel’s Motion.
    III.   Derrickson’s Application
    In his Application, Derrickson argues he is entitled to the relief that he seeks
    in his Petition for Review. Derrickson urges us to grant his Application because, as
    14
    Secretary Wetzel acknowledges, Derrickson has a First Amendment right to
    communicate with those outside the prison. (Derrickson’s Br. at 8.) For the same
    reasons we deny Secretary Wetzel’s Motion, we must deny Derrickson’s
    Application. The parties do not agree as to the capacity in which Derrickson
    corresponded with Fight for Lifers and whether the communication was previously
    authorized. Thus, we cannot determine if there was a constitutional violation. As a
    result, we cannot find that either party has a clear right to relief at the present
    procedural posture.
    IV.   Conclusion
    Derrickson alleges a specific constitutional violation that falls within this
    Court’s original jurisdiction. However, there are disputes of material fact that
    preclude us from applying a constitutional analysis and, in turn, finding that either
    party has a clear right to relief. Therefore, we deny both Secretary Wetzel’s Motion
    and Derrickson’s Application.
    _____________________________________
    RENÉE COHN JUBELIRER, Judge
    15
    IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Rodney Derrickson,                     :
    Petitioner      :
    :
    v.                    :   No. 467 M.D. 2017
    :
    Cindy Hays, John Wetzel,               :
    Respondents     :
    ORDER
    NOW, February 8, 2019, the Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings filed by
    John Wetzel and the Application for Summary Relief filed by Rodney Derrickson
    are DENIED.
    _____________________________________
    RENÉE COHN JUBELIRER, Judge