Bilal v. Geo Care (11th Cir. 2020)

Bilal v. Geo Care, No. 16–11722 (11th Cir. 2020)

Nature of Case: Appellant, a civilly committed individual, brought a lawsuit against the company responsible for the operation of Florida’s civil commitment center and other individuals alleging violations of his Due Process rights in connection with his transportation to a court hearing. Specifically, Appellant alleged that refusal to allow him to use the bathroom during a 600 mile road trip and detaining him in a jail for approximately one month violated his Due Process rights. The lower court dismissed these claims, and Appellant sought review.

Holding: The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in part and reversed in part. Some of Appellant’s claims related to the transport did state a Due Process claim, and Appellant did successfully state a Due Process claim with regard to his monthlong detention in a jail cell.