Iowa Supreme Court limits damages in excessive force cases [View all]
IOWA CITY — The Iowa Supreme Court on Thursday severely limited the financial damages that can be awarded for injuries and deaths caused by state police officers who are found to have used excessive force.
The court ruled 6-1 that punitive damages, which are intended to punish and deter future misconduct, are not available in cases in which officers use excessive force in violation of constitutional rights.
Justice Edward Mansfield wrote for the majority that compensatory damages for victims, including for emotional distress and attorney fees, would still be available and offer “an adequate remedy.”
The court ruled that lawsuits brought by injured individuals and the families of those killed by state police are subject to limits in the Iowa Tort Claims Act, which governs claims against state employees.
Read more: https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/iowa-supreme-court-limits-damages-in-excessive-force-cases/article_e53b10ff-d258-5263-beed-3b2b4d425f1b.html
(The Courier--Waterloo, Cedar Falls)
A terrible decision by the court.
= new reply since forum marked as read