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What to Do When Police Violate Your Rights?

When a police officer is guilty of violating a person’s rights then putting that officer to justice may be necessary but it can get a little complicated. Cases of having one’s rights violated by regular citizens are not as complex because…
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What Are My Civil Rights?

When a person becomes a legal resident of the United States, they have Civil rights that must be catered to. Police officers swear to protect both a person's civil rights and human rights and officers who are acting under the color of law yet…
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What does noble cause mean?

Most police officers join the force in an effort to make the world a better and safer place (i.e. for a noble cause). Their moral and ethical values are what drives them to cut down the crime rate and protect the innocent and vulnerable from…
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Can I Sue for Police Brutality?

A police officer who has violated a person’s constitutional rights can be held legally responsible for their actions. Nearly all lawsuits filed against officers are done due to a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1871. If a person has been…
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How would you describe corruption?

  Corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal offense undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority, to acquire illicit benefit or abuse power for their own private gain. Law enforcement has been…
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Can I Sue a VA Officer for Damages if He or She Applied Excessive Force?

If your encounter with a Fairfax, VA police officer turned violent and you believe the level of force that was applied exceeded what was considered reasonable, you should speak with a police brutality attorney in Fairfax, VA to determine…
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What does stand your ground law mean?

There are a number of laws that allow people to defend themselves and others nearby to prevent harm from criminal activity and perceived threats. Some states have a law called “stand your ground” that allows extreme or deadly force to be…
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Do police swear an oath to the Constitution?

Oath. State and local police generally swear an oath to the United States Constitution, as civil service or uniformed service officers, stating: “I, officer name, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution…
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Can a Police Officer Shoot You If You Run?

The Washington Post collected data indicating that 88 out of the 584 people who were killed in police shootings in recent years were really just trying to run away from the officer. Maurice Granton, and Walter Scott are popular examples of victims…
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What Are Some Examples of Police Misconduct?

Police misconduct can be defined as illegal or unacceptable behavior exhibited by an officer while they are on the job. The terms ‘police misconduct’ and ‘police corruption’ can be used interchangeably as both indicate the misbehavior…
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What constitutes reasonable suspicion?

The law provides a number of evidentiary burdens that must be met in order for the government to take action. Within the context of policing, reasonable suspicion is one of the most important concepts that law enforcement officers use while…
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How dangerous is a chokehold?

Over the years, police have used a number of different tactics to stop and apprehend suspects while they are in the streets. Some of these methods have caused controversy and are no longer in use due to the potential to cause more harm than…
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What level of force is pepper spray?

There are five levels of force an officer of the law can apply during their encounter with an individual, with level one being the least violent as there is no physical force involved. Each level serves as a step up on the use of force continuum…
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What are self-defense rights?

When someone is met with a dangerous situation involving violence, the threat of harm or death, there are self-defense actions that would be considered legal but vary from state-to-state.  It is always important to know and understand the laws…
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What Did the Jim Crow Laws Do?

The Jim Crow Laws were named after a character from a black minstrel show and they were effective for an entire century. These 100 years of injustice against the African American race were highlighted by these unfair, and inhumane rules. The…
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What is meant by the phrase imperfect self-defense?

You’ve probably heard of the term “self-defense” and are aware that many states have enacted laws that allow a person to defend themselves from imminent danger. While self-defense laws do allow individuals to apply a certain level of…
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Can you sue a police department?

When a police officer displays rude behavior that might offend you but doesn’t violate your rights, you may consider filing a complaint with the department they work for. A complaint is a good way of notifying the department that one or more…
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What does Graham vs Connor mean?

In U.S. history, there have been a number of lawsuits that have been appealed all the way through the court system to the U.S. Supreme Court. Many of these cases have become landmark civil rights decisions. Regarding the issue of police brutality,…