The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a Rastafarian man, who alleged his religious rights were violated when prison guards forcibly shaved his beard, cannot sue the guards for monetary damages. The court affirmed a lower court’s decision, stating that prisoners are not entitled to sue prison staff for financial compensation under religious liberties law. This ruling clarifies the scope of protections offered by the Religious Restoration Act of 1993 within correctional facilities. The case centered on the argument that the forced shaving violated the Rastafarian man’s sincerely held religious beliefs, as maintaining a beard is a tenet of his faith. However, the court determined that the law does not provide a pathway for prisoners to seek financial redress against staff for such violations. Legal experts suggest this decision may limit avenues for prisoners to challenge religious restrictions imposed within prisons. The ruling does not address whether the shaving itself was lawful, only the ability to sue for damages.