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Civil Rights

Apr. 3, 2004

'Smith' Bars Police-Brutality Victims From Vindicating Wrongs

In Smith v. City of Hemet, a split 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel recently upheld dismissal of a plaintiff's excessive police force claim because he earlier pleaded guilty in state court to resisting arrest. A request for en banc review is pending. The 9th Circuit should grant review and reverse.

Robert L. Bastian Jr.

Partner Bastian & Dini

Penthouse Suite 9025 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills , CA 90211

Phone: (310) 789-1955

Fax: (310) 822-1989

Email: robbastian@aol.com

Whittier Law School

In Smith v. City of Hemet, 356 F. 3d 1138 (9th Cir. 2004), a split 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel recently upheld dismissal of a plaintiff's excessive police force claim because he earlier pleaded guilty in state court to resisting arrest. A request for en banc review is pending. The 9th Circuit should grant review and reverse.
        Smith, angry at his circumstances on the night of his arrest, delayed taking his han...

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