In a world where every decision counts, understanding the nuances of Duty of Care, a topic of paramount importance in today’s fast-evolving legal landscape, has never been more critical. As we stand at the juncture of change and responsibility, we must address the pressing, highly controversial question: “Do officers have a duty to care to […]
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in the case of United States v. Hagood, recently explored the delicate balance between law enforcement prerogatives and Fourth Amendment protections. Taking place on the streets of the Bronx, New York, the defendant, Hagood, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm after he had previously been convicted
Bronx Battleground: Unpacking Fourth Amendment Tensions in US v. Hagood Read More »
The Eight Circuit’s recent decision in Murphy v. Schmitt highlights the fine balance between the First Amendment right to free speech, retaliatory claims, unlawful detention, and the discretionary powers of law enforcement officers. The central conflict in this case stems from a contentious encounter between Officer Michael Schmitt of Sunrise Beach and a local pedestrian,
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in the case of Smith v. Agdeppa, recently explored the parameters of qualified immunity in a case where two police officers faced an intense confrontation with a suspect at a Los Angeles Gym.1 The subsequent use of deadly force by Officer Edward Agdeppa led to legal action by the
In a recent decision, Leonard v. Silva, et al., the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals addressed a pressing issue currently dominating the law enforcement profession.1 This pivotal case brings to the fore the nexus between § 1983 claims for excessive use of force and the intricate challenges law enforcement officers confront when responding to mental
The First Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Penate v. Sullivan, offers a detailed examination of SWAT team entries and the significance of the knock-and-announce principle for upholding individuals’ constitutional rights as guided by the Fourth Amendment.1 This case originated out of Worcester, Massachusetts, where police were called to respond to a distraught woman’s report
The Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision in Parsons v. City of Ann Arbor, a case that grapples with the issues of qualified immunity, alleged excessive use of force, and state law assault and battery allegations. The situation stemmed from a heated encounter between a law enforcement officer and an uncooperative
Force, Flight & Immunity: A Dive into the Controversy of Parsons v. City of Ann Arbor Read More »
The Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued a decision in Putman v. Harris, a case that centers on an alleged use of excessive force during the seizure of a potentially armed person, threatening self-harm and suicide.1 The plaintiff in this case, Dillard Putman, raised a 42 U.S.C. §1983 claim, where he accused the
Canine Conundrum: Police Dogs, Excessive Force, and Fourth Amendment Jurisprudence Read More »
The Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision in United States v. Woolridge, a case that addresses the issue of voluntary confessions and the application of Miranda warnings1. The decision by the Sixth Circuit emphasizes the primacy of the Fifth Amendment in safeguarding suspects’ rights during officer interactions with detainees. Joshua Woolridge,
Between Silence and Speech: Tracing the Path of Voluntary Confessions in US v. Woolridge Read More »
In the landscape of modern law enforcement, a recent ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court has cast a spotlight on the complex interplay between the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments and the doctrine of Qualified Immunity. The case in question, Habich v. Wayne County, was borne out of a contentious circumstance surrounding the impounding of a
