Federal Police Brutality Cases

In this course, Ameer Benno, a New York City-based civil rights attorney, introduces viewers to the litigation of police misconduct cases, including identifying the proper parties, prerequisites to filing the lawsuit, relevant time limitations on doing so, and factors to consider in determining the proper forum in which to bring the action. This course also provides an overview of the most commonly-asserted claims and defenses under federal law, compares the relative advantages and disadvantages of state and federal law in this area, and discusses what relief is available, including statutory attorney’s fees. In addition, Mr. Benno covers some of the commonly encountered discovery issues and ethical considerations in police misconduct cases. 

Learning Objectives

1.  Identify the proper parties, claims, and defenses, as well as the differences between state and federal claims
2. Recognize the various time limitations, such as accrual dates and statutes of limitation, involved for the various claims 
3. Comprehend the factors that must be weighed in deciding whether to bring the action in state or federal court
4. Gain insight as to the different forms of relief available, including statutory attorney’s fees