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Police testimony carries significant weight in criminal cases. Jurors frequently view statements from law enforcement as reliable accounts of what happened during an arrest or investigation. Yet recent federal cases show that police testimony is not always accurate. When video footage contradicts an officer’s sworn statement,…
Police encounters have serious power imbalances. Law enforcement officers have authority, weapons, and legal protections that most people don’t fully understand. When that power crosses the line into an unconstitutional use of force, federal civil rights law allows you to seek accountability. A recent federal lawsuit…
People often hear phrases like “put money on my books” or “money on the books” and aren’t sure what that actually means. This leads them to ask about the put money on my books meaning. In the jail or prison context, “books” don’t refer to reading…
Pregnancy does not suspend your legal rights, even if you’re in jail or prison. Jails and prisons are required to respond to pregnancy with appropriate medical care throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Standards for pregnancy care in correctional settings are guided by recommendations from national commissions,…
Social media has transformed how police misconduct is reported and handled. In recent years, the rise of citizen journalism has empowered ordinary people to use smartphones and social platforms to document and share police encounters, increasing transparency and public scrutiny. Thanks to smartphones and social platforms,…
Qualified immunity is a legal concept that comes up when someone wants to sue a government official for their actions. You may hear the term during a discussion about civil rights or a potential lawsuit and wonder what it actually means for you. In short, this…
Few of us ever expect to face aggressive or excessive force during an encounter with police, but it happens more often than many people realize. If you suspect police officers crossed the line into brutality, you could have a claim for compensation – but you’ll need…
Law enforcement officers are authorized to use physical force in specific situations to protect themselves and the public. However, not all uses of force are lawful. When police officers apply more force than a situation requires, their actions may violate your constitutional rights. Knowing the difference…
People should be able to trust that their interactions with law enforcement will be respectful and safe. Unfortunately, not all interactions go smoothly, and aggressive behavior, threats, and rights violations can turn a routine interaction into something much more intimidating. Technology, such as body cameras, is…
If you watch television and movies, you’re probably used to hearing police officers inform suspects that “You have the right to remain silent” and so on. You might also have wondered whether they always have to say this, and what happens if they don’t. These Miranda…
