In 2005, convicted killer Phillip Berryman stopped receiving costly kosher meals at St. Louis Correctional Facility after he was caught buying non-kosher munchies at the prison store.
The 66-year-old Berryman said the snacks were for another inmate, but that defense was rejected. He sued, claiming his suspension from kosher meals was a burden on his religious liberties.
The appeals court this week said Michigan has a legitimate interest in maintaining discipline and ensuring that only inmates with "sincere beliefs" participate in the kosher program.
Berryman, who is serving a life sentence, now is at a Michigan prison in Jackson.