SAucier V. Katz, excessive force, and qualified immunity: A reason to believe in reasonableness

Abstract

Civil liability is a concern of all police agencies. Since civil suits represent substantial potential negative consequences to criminal justice agencies, legal protections from law suits would seem to be of great importance to those working in the criminal justice system. Recently the Supreme Court of the United States decided the case of Saucier v. Katz (2001). This case addressed the issue of police immunity from a civil suit alleging use of excessive force. This article seeks to provide an examination of the case and the issues surrounding immunity.

Keywords:

• Police Liability
• Civil Liability
• Immunity