• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / Crime / Courts / Supreme Court rules local law officers aren’t always covered by state immunity

Supreme Court rules local law officers aren’t always covered by state immunity

October 11, 2013 By Dar Danielson

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that local and county law officers don’t always have immunity from prosecution under state law. Joshua Thomas said he was wrongfully assaulted and arrested by officers of the North Liberty Police Department and deputies of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office as he tried to break up a fight at the North Liberty Fun Days in 2007.

A disorderly conduct charge against him was later dropped and he was acquitted on an interference with official acts charge. Thomas sued claiming assault, battery, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. He said he was tasered unnecessarily and that caused him ongoing pain and muscle and ligament damage.

The district court dismissed the case — ruling the officers were working in an official capacity for the state and were covered by state immunity from prosecution. The Iowa Supreme Court ruling says the case raises difficult questions about when immunity should be granted public officials. The court ruled in this case the mere act of enforcing state law is not enough to bring municipal officials and employees within the scope of the state immunity. It ordered the case back to district court for further action.

See the complete ruling here:  Thomas ruling PDF

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Crime / Courts, News

Featured Stories

Finalists chosen for the state’s top burger

Paintings by Clinton woman gain a following in Europe

Iowa deadline for individual income taxpayers moved to June 1

Dialing rules changing for two area codes in Iowa

Assistance available for low income Iowans with overdue rent, utility bills

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

Cedar Rapids preparing for big return of sports events

Iowa Games returning with full slate of sports

Iowa’s Garza sweeps national awards

Iowa’s Garza claims three national awards

Iowa’s Jack Nunge to transfer

More Sports

eNews and Updates

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC