CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/4–4/8

Welcome to the weekly update from the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity! Here, we give you a wrap-up of the latest developments and notable news as we continue our state-focused fight to abolish the unjust rule. 

This week, courts rule in favor of police accountability; Maryland eyes new public safety measures; House reps speak out against qualified immunity; and more! 

FEATURED STORY

The New York Times: Supreme Court Rules Against Police in Malicious Prosecution Case

“The Supreme Court ruled on Monday in favor of a Brooklyn man who said he had been falsely accused by police officers of resisting arrest, saying he could sue for malicious prosecution under a federal civil rights law.”

Read more here. 

NEW YORK 

“What we really are fighting for is to make sure that everyone has a chance at justice. A recent episode of Black Westchester’s People Before Politics show featured an in-depth discussion on ending qualified immunity in New York. Guests included End QI NY co-founders Darlene McDay and Katerina Siira

Watch here.

VERMONT

In light of the recent vote to water down S.254, the bill to end qualified immunity in Vermont, Vermont Public Radio dedicated a podcast to the controversial doctrine, examining “the proposed legislation, the likelihood it will become law and how it would affect Vermonters.

Listen here.

MARYLAND

Baltimore is the latest county eyeing the creation of a civilian-led Police Accountability Board. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, who’s introducing the legislation, says this board “will serve an important role in improving law enforcement and public safety in Baltimore County, and [further] our efforts to strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve.”

Read more here. 

ADDITIONAL NEWS

Forbes Breaking News: Deborah Ross Agrees with Chip Roy: ‘The Problem of Qualified Immunity Goes Well Beyond the Police’

“Qualified immunity acts like a time warp. In its current form, the doctrine allows conduct to be judged by completely outdated standards, and parts of our history we are trying to rectify.” 

Watch here.

Forbes Breaking News: Jackson Lee Raises Questions In Honor of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor & Others During House Hearing

“In simple layman terms, what qualified immunity’s existence does is that it stops everyone at the courthouse doors.

Watch here

Associated Press: No Charges Filed in No-knock Warrant Killing of Amir Locke

“City records show there were three complaints made about [Mark Hanneman, the rogue cop who killed Amir Locke] and that all were closed without him being disciplined, but they give no details. Data on the website of the citizen group Communities United Against Police Brutality shows a fourth complaint, in 2018, that remains open. No details were given.”

Read more here.

New Jersey Monitor: Police Do Not Have an Automatic Right to Qualified Immunity, Court Rules

“Karen Thompson, senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, said the decision represents ‘an important step toward repairing the injustices that qualified immunity has created.’”

Read more here.

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