Police Brutality
Allegations of police brutality aren’t necessarily uncommon—or unjustified. Officers have been known to take liberties with suspects, and sometimes bystanders, when (they think) no one is looking. While proving police brutality can be a challenge, there are avenues for relief.
Examines court rulings, state laws, and policies on police use of force during arrests and the legal consequences when use of force crosses the line from reasonable to excessive.
In most states, arrestees can resist arrest if the officer uses excessive force that's likely to cause great harm, but the right to defend is limited.
Excessive force by the police during an arrest violates the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Learn what remedies a victim may have to sue the officer in court.
Police officers are allowed to use reasonable force when arresting someone. When they use more force than is necessary to make an arrest, the arrestee might have a viable lawsuit for any resulting injuries.
Section 1983 refers to a federal statute that allows people to sue for certain kinds of civil rights violations, including excessive police force.
Qualified immunity shields public officials from civil liability for civil rights violations as long as the right wasn't "clearly established."
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