Court: High-speed chase suspects can't sue police

bad_ptc's picture

"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday gave police officers significant protection from lawsuits by suspects who lead them on car chases.

The justices ruled 8-1 against Georgia teenager Victor Harris, who was left a quadriplegic after a police vehicle rammed his car off the road in 2001.

A police officer used "reasonable force" when ramming the teen's speeding car, the high court ruled. A videotape of the pursuit played a key role in the decision."

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pentapenguin's picture
Submitted by pentapenguin on Thu, 05/03/2007 - 6:22pm.

I'd figured he would be ruled against, but I didn't think it would be 8-1 with John Paul Stevens dissenting. I guess that just proves that age does not equal wisdom. Eye-wink

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Submitted by PTCitizen on Tue, 05/01/2007 - 5:27pm.

Finally! A check on the Good Guys' side - It's been a while since the Supreme Court did anything but made life harder on the lower branches of the criminal justice system. This is a true victory for the good and law-abiding people of this country.

Submitted by 1bighammer on Tue, 05/01/2007 - 4:49pm.

by what I'm sure was a liberal judge. He said he thought it could have been prevented by spike strips (maybe) or a stern command from a loudspeaker. What a joke! I guess if he had been shooting at the cops he wouldn't have wanted the cops to shoot back! PATHETIC excuse for a Supreme court judge!

CRIMINAL: Bang, bang, bang (fires shots)
OFFICER: in a stern voice Young man, Put the weapon down! If you don't...We'll Just get Louder

Submitted by RuKiddin on Mon, 04/30/2007 - 10:53pm.

I totally agree with the Supreme Courts decision. We have brought this issue before the countries highest court and they have spoken. It is high time that "the law" was supported in their efforts to stop crime and put the fear back in the criminal's heart.
Knowing this, if a dirtbad does decide to run, then its their life and future, that they are taking into their own hands. No one wants to hurt a fleeing suspect. But what is more important, THE MOST IMPORTANT, is that the citizens are safe.
You know what is sad? That a lot of departments in the area have a NO CHASE policy. So, all one has to do to get away is, STEP ON THE GAS. This, my friends, is ridiculous. Don't think that your average dirtbag doesn't know this. Thank GOD that Fayette County doesn't have this policy. The minute that this policy changes, you my as well hand the keys to the city over to the nearest thug.

Submitted by skyspy on Mon, 04/30/2007 - 4:01pm.

This is a win for good people everywhere. Finally the crooks get what they beg for.

Come on rahim and other crooks run............you can make it......run......

Emmyjune's picture
Submitted by Emmyjune on Mon, 04/30/2007 - 2:10pm.

I was SO glad to hear Neal Boortz mention this today. It renews a bit of my faith in the world. My feelings are, if an idiot has done something illegal and proceeds to run from the police, he should get what's coming to him. He would have never been paralyzed had he not run... It's not the cops' fault he's a moron-- they were doing their job. And I feel so much better that the courts ultimately stood behind the good guys!


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Mon, 04/30/2007 - 2:23pm.

No more needs to be said other than I hope hope the like of Rahim and other scumbags and human debris clearly hear the message that was sent. If they know the our Law Men are not going to "give it up" then they will understand that their personal odds of survival are better if the do not flee at high speeds.

________

You may not be at war with Islam, but Islam is at war with you! If we lose.... They will follow.


mudcat's picture
Submitted by mudcat on Thu, 05/03/2007 - 6:30pm.

Did you know the "hit" occured on 74 south of TDK? Not sure why the Coweta deputy was chasing inside the city limits, but nevertheless, the Supremes made the correct decision. Go cops!

So, do you like my new picture? meow


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