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Graham v. Connor set an important precedent in defining the standards for evaluating the use of force by law enforcement. This case has had a lasting impact on how courts assess police actions involving force, emphasizing the objective reasonableness standard. It addressed a critical need to strike a balance between law enforcement’s duty to maintain public safety and individual rights, particularly during high-stress and rapidly evolving situations. This landmark case emerged from an incident involving a diabetic individual, Dethorne Graham, highlighting the necessity of understanding unique circumstances and considering the perspective of a reasonable officer at the scene when evaluating the use of force.

Background

On November 12, 1984, Dethorne Graham, a diabetic man, experienced a hypoglycemic episode and needed sugar to stabilize his blood sugar levels. He asked a friend to drive him to a convenience store in Charlotte, North Carolina. Concerned for Graham’s well-being, his friend hastily drove to the store, where Graham entered to purchase orange juice. Due to the long lines, Graham quickly left without making a purchase.

People v. Bigelow, a pivotal case decided by the New York Court of Appeals in 1986, marked a significant moment in the realm of criminal law. The case involved critical legal issues related to the Fourth Amendment, search and seizure, and expectations of privacy.

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards individuals from unjustified searches and seizures by the government. It ensures the right to privacy and restricts law enforcement from conducting searches or confiscating property without valid reasons and proper legal authorization. The amendment necessitates “probable cause,” a reasonable belief that a crime has been, is being, or will be committed, before issuing search warrants. These warrants, granted by judges or magistrates, define the specific locations and items subject to search. Exceptions to the warrant rule include emergency situations, consent searches, incidents involving lawful arrests, plain view discoveries, and certain administrative searches. By upholding these standards, the Fourth Amendment preserves a crucial balance between law enforcement responsibilities and individual rights, reinforcing the democratic principles of justice, fairness, and due process in the United States.

Background

In New York, police misconduct and brutality have been persistent problems for years. Communities, particularly marginalized and minority groups, have raised serious concerns about excessive use of force, racial profiling, harassment, and other forms of misconduct by law enforcement officers. The cases often involve unarmed individuals, and unfortunately, some have resulted in severe injuries or even fatalities.

Tennessee v. Garner, a landmark case decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1985, had a profound impact on law enforcement procedures and civil rights in New York and across the United States. This case redefined the circumstances under which law enforcement officers are allowed to use deadly force, specifically concerning the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable seizures.

Background

Monroe v. Pape, a seminal case decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1961, holds great historical significance in civil rights litigation against law enforcement. This landmark decision marked a turning point in the legal battle against police misconduct and brutality, establishing a framework for holding law enforcement accountable for violating citizens’ constitutional rights. Even though this case originated in Chicago, it has implications for New York and all states.

Background

Monroe v. Pape originated from a harrowing incident involving the Monroe family in Chicago, Illinois, during the 1950s. The Monroe family’s home was subjected to an unlawful and brutal search conducted by 13 officers, all under the command of Chicago Police Department Lieutenant Daniel Pape. The officers, without a valid warrant and acting without probable cause, assaulted members of the Monroe family, causing significant physical and emotional harm. This incident was a distressing example of police abuse and racial discrimination that was all too common during that period.

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. It emphasizes the need for warrants issued based on probable cause and specifies that these warrants must describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. This constitutional provision is crucial for safeguarding an individual’s right to privacy and preventing arbitrary invasions by the government.

Background

In Hill v. California, police arrested two individuals found in Hill’s car for narcotics possession, discovering stolen property from a recent robbery. The arrested men implicated Hill, leading to an investigation verifying his association with one of them. The police, armed with probable cause to arrest Hill, went to his apartment without a warrant. Although the arrested man denied being Hill, the police arrested him due to a gun and ammunition in plain sight. The subsequent search yielded incriminating evidence. Hill was convicted based on this evidence, leading to a legal challenge. Hill argued that Chimel v. California, a case narrowing searches incident to arrest, should apply to his case. The California Supreme Court, however, sustained both the arrest and the search, prompting Hill’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Floyd v. City of New York, 959 F. Supp. 2d 540 (S.D.N.Y. 2013) is a civil lawsuit that challenged New York Police Department’s “stop and frisk”.  Stop and frisk allowed the stopping, questioning, and frisking of individuals without a warrant or evident cause. The plaintiffs, a group of individuals, asserted that this policy disproportionately targeted racial minorities, violating their Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

Set against a backdrop of societal discord and heightened scrutiny of racial biases within law enforcement, the case questioned the delicate balance between public safety and individual liberties, particularly in marginalized communities. The central issue revolved around whether the NYPD’s stop and frisk policy amounted to a violation of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments through racial profiling.

Background

Skorupski v. County of Suffolk, et al., a civil rights case under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, highlighting alleged violations of civil rights. The incident revolves around a mistaken identity arrest. The subsequent events led to claims of excessive force and misconduct by the Suffolk County Police Department, initiating a legal battle centered on the protection of civil liberties and the accountability of law enforcement.

Background Facts

In the evening of July 20, 1985, 17-year-old Joseph Skorupski was walking along Route 112 in Medford, Suffolk County, Long Island. A police officer, without identifying himself, confronted him, brandishing a pistol, threatening his life. Other individuals, none in uniform or identifying as police officers, joined the confrontation, chasing Skorupski. A shot was fired, injuring Skorupski, who was then subjected to physical abuse, handcuffed, and taken into custody. Later, it was discovered that Skorupski was mistaken for a suspect involved in armed robbery.

Jocks v. Tavernier is a significant legal case that unfolded within the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and was later appealed at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The case revolves around allegations of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and claims of excessive force during an altercation between a truck driver, Thomas Jocks, and an off-duty New York City police officer, Augusto Tavernier.

Background Facts

On October 11, 1994, Thomas Jocks, a seasoned truck driver, found himself facing engine troubles while driving on the Long Island Expressway. As a result his truck was blocking part of the expressway.  He then approached a payphone situated along the expressway. However, the payphone was being used by Officer Augusto Tavernier, an off-duty New York City police officer. Thomas Jocks alleged that Tavernier’s response to the situation was disproportionate and aggressive. Jocks alleged that after attempting to communicate the emergency caused by his truck blocking a lane on the expressway, Tavernier responded in an inappropriate and hostile manner. According to Jocks, Tavernier refused to acknowledge the urgency of the situation and did not permit him to use the payphone. After Tavernier continued to ignore Jocks, Jocks disconnected his call by pressing down the hook of the telephone. Tavernier then threw the receiver at Jocks. The situation escalated further when Tavernier resorted to physically pushing Jocks, brandishing his service pistol, and issuing threatening statements, such as “why don’t I blow your brains out.” The interaction between Jocks and Tavernier quickly escalated, devolving into a heated, culminating in Jocks’ arrest.