Was I a Victim of Police Brutality or Misconduct?

Use these links to jump to different sections:

• Due Process: Explained
• Civil Rights Law and Police Misconduct in Pennsylvania

Police officers are supposed to protect and serve the citizens and the community. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers do not always live up to this duty. Police misconduct and abuse is a serious problem. Victims of excessive force or due process violations deserve justice.

If you or your loved one was a victim, there are legal options available. You can bring a civil rights lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State Police or a local law enforcement department if your due process rights were violated. This raises an important question: What is the standard for police brutality or misconduct?

Due Process: Explained

The right to due process is one of the foundational constitutional protections that we have as Americans. The Fourteenth Amendment states the government cannot “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property” without due process of law.

Due process is fair treatment under the law. What that means in any specific case depends on many different factors, but the overriding principle is clear: When interacting with a citizen—whether controlling traffic, conducting a search, or making an arrest—a law enforcement officer must respect each person’s individual legal rights.

Civil Rights Law and Police Misconduct in Pennsylvania

Most police brutality and police misconduct civil rights cases are brought under 42 U.S. Code § 1983.

This statute gives people a private right of action to hold a police department or law enforcement agency legally liable for a civil rights violation. You may be able to bring a Section 1983 lawsuit on the grounds of:

• Excessive Force: Officers must use only what force is necessary to control the situation. In Section 1983 claims, excessive force has been defined as force greater than the use of force a reasonable police officer would have believed to be necessary given the circumstances. The appropriate force depends on many factors, including the conduct of the person being arrested or detained.
• False Arrest/False Imprisonment: It is unlawful for police to deny a person of their rights or liberties. A defendant arrested on false grounds or imprisonment in violation of their due process rights can sue to hold the responsible department legally accountable for taking away their freedom.
• Prison Abuse or Prison Negligence: Prisons also have the legal duty to respect civil rights. Through a Section 1983 civil rights lawsuit, a prison can be held liable for prison guard abuse, wrongful mistreatment, or serious negligence.

Civil rights cases are complex. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your legal rights or your legal remedies, contact an experienced Pennsylvania civil rights lawyer for help. A police misconduct attorney will be able to review your police abuse case and explain what you need to do next to get justice.

For more information on this area of law, see our civil rights overview.