When bites are worse than barks; courts differ on when use of police dogs constitutes unreasonable force
Article Abstract:
Many civil actions alleging brutality or excessive force have been filed against police dog units, not surprising since many departments train dogs to follow the 'bite and hold' policy, the bites cause wounds in suspects which send them to hospitals rather than prison. Courts have been uncertain about what theory to use with dog bite claims. Some have used the Fourth Amendment standard of unreasonable search and seizure, but most have focused on the issue of whether it was reasonable to let the dogs loose at all. Cases analyzes include Mendoza v. Block and Tennessee v. Garner.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1996
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Getting the high court's attention; liberal-leaning 9th Circuit often reversed
Article Abstract:
The largest of the 12 regional circuit courts is the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. At 9 states, the court covers nearly one-fifth of the country's population. During its 1997-98 term, the US Supreme Court reversed all but one of the 9th Circuit's rulings. Of these reversals, six were summary ones not even considered worthy of briefing and oral argument. The court's ideological fame has spurred a Republican drive to separate their states from it.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1997
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First amendment in your face: aggressive demonstrations are no more than free speech in action
Article Abstract:
The Supreme Court has ruled that aggressive demonstrations at an abortion clinic are free speech actions protected by the First Amendment, cutting down some of the restrictions on protestors. In Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network, the Court overturned a moving buffer zone around clinic visitors giving them 15 feet of clearance. However, the 15-foot clear zone protecting clinic entrances was maintained by the Court.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1997
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- Abstracts: What to wear: courts agree on principle of school dress codes, disagree on their reach. Number, please; ABA explores nationwide lawyer identification system
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