Qualified Immunity

Split-second decisions are inevitable in the law enforcement profession but reacting in a way that deprives people of their constitutionally approved rights is not

The suspect, who was armed with a 13” knife, was stopped and shot by officers on his way to kill police officers at random

A recent case highlights the importance of "clearly established" law at the time of law enforcement-civilian interactions

Floyd Bledsoe, who was wrongfully convicted of murder, claims LEOs violated his civil rights by fabricating and suppressing evidence

The appellate court was critical of the officer’s decision to enter a suspect’s vehicle, which resulted in the shooting death of the driver and a second officer being struck twice by the vehicle

A judge had ruled earlier this year that qualified immunity did not apply to Officer Matthew Rhodes and allowed the suit to go to trial

The officer, believing the suspect was armed and that a fellow officer was in danger, shot the suspect from behind

The court highlights the differences in a policy violation vs. a constitutional violation in a case involving a jail suicide

Justice Jackson's district court opinions and orders provide an example of her jurisprudential work related to law enforcement

The court held that the officers acted to “satisfy legitimate law enforcement objectives"

The court determines if an arrest of anti-police protestors had probable cause and whether it was retaliatory

Court refused to dismiss county liability allegation that sheriff tacitly authorized pattern of unlawful bean bag deployment

Jury trial required to determine liability for mass arrest, alleged excessive force and supervisory indifference

Our society cannot expect any reasonable person to put their life on the line without significant guarantees in terms of their compensation, benefits, personal liability and physical well-being

When is a TASER device discharge considered excessive force? A recent case with video evidence considers the question