Nevada pit bull owners had occasion to celebrate recently over legislation that will end discrimination against their breed of canine. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed a bill that will prevent local authorities from passing laws that deem dogs “dangerous” simply on the basis of their breed. What is commonly referred to as breed specific legislation…
If the United States government has its way, you could get a DUI for drinking a single martini giving a whole new meaning to the term “happy hour.” The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”), a federal agency, has recently proposed that states lower the DUI standard from 0.08 to 0.05. Thus, while a person is…
Following a car accident, slip and fall or some other type of personal injury incident, people often seek the help of either a chiropractor or physical therapist. Of course, this makes perfect sense. Before exploring legal rights, one’s health and well-being come first. However, the question often gets asked, “should I see a chiropractor or…
After a traumatic or life-threatening event, it is very common for a person to experience upsetting memories of the event (i.e. “flashbacks”), increased unease or jumpiness, trouble sleeping and feelings of rage or depression. If these reactions do not ease over time or simply get worse, a person might be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder…
Most states, including Nevada, California and Arizona, require motorists to carry auto insurance. Auto insurance is a contract between a motorist and an insurance company that stipulates the amount of money that will be provided in the event of an accident for matters relating to medical care, property repair and liability to third-parties. Generally speaking,…
With the holiday season upon us, people tend to be more relaxed and carefree in how they conduct themselves. With all the holiday parties and after-work “happy hours,” people can get more easily distracted and fall into dangerous patterns of behavior. Principal among them is texting while driving. Texting while driving is a form of…
WHAT IS A 1983 ACTION?
Posting Date: April 14, 2022
A “1983 action” refers to a civil lawsuit filed under section 1983 of the United States Code. This section provides individuals with the ability to sue state or local officials, including police officers and prison guards, who violate their constitutional rights. In simpler terms, it means that if a government employee, such as a police officer or prison guard, violates your constitutional rights, you can sue them for damages in a federal civil court.
The 1983 action is a powerful tool for individuals who have had their constitutional rights violated by government employees. This includes cases of police brutality, wrongful imprisonment, and violations of due process. The section was enacted in 1871 as part of the Civil Rights Act and was originally intended to provide protection for newly freed slaves. However, since then, it has been used to protect the civil rights of all individuals. One of the most famous examples of a 1983 action is the case of Rodney King. In 1991, Rodney King was beaten by Los Angeles police officers following a high-speed chase. The beating was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage. In the aftermath, King filed a 1983 action against the police officers involved. The case went to trial, and the officers were ultimately acquitted of criminal charges. However, King was awarded $3.8 million in damages in his civil suit. Another example of a 1983 action is the case of Terence Crutcher. In 2016, Crutcher, an unarmed black man, was shot and killed by a police officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The officer was charged with manslaughter but was ultimately acquitted. Crutcher’s family filed a 1983 action against the city and the police department, alleging that the officer’s actions violated Crutcher’s constitutional rights. The case was settled for $6 million. A third example of a 1983 action is the case of Albert Florence. In 2005, Florence was arrested on a warrant for an unpaid fine. During his processing at a county jail in New Jersey, he was subjected to two strip searches. Florence sued the jail officials, arguing that the strip searches violated his Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of the jail officials.
While the 1983 action is a powerful tool for individuals seeking justice for constitutional violations, it is not without its limitations. One of the biggest limitations is the doctrine of qualified immunity. This doctrine provides government officials with immunity from civil lawsuits for actions taken in the course of their official duties unless their actions violate “clearly established” constitutional rights. This means that even if a government official violates your constitutional rights, they may not be held liable if those rights were not “clearly established” at the time of the violation.
In recent years, there has been significant debate over the doctrine of qualified immunity and whether it should be reformed or abolished. Critics argue that the doctrine allows government officials to escape accountability for their actions, even when those actions are clearly unconstitutional. Proponents of the doctrine argue that it is necessary to protect government officials from frivolous lawsuits and to ensure that they can carry out their duties without fear of being sued.
Despite its limitations, the 1983 action remains an important tool for individuals seeking justice for constitutional violations. It allows individuals to hold government officials accountable for their actions and to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered. Whether or not the doctrine of qualified immunity is reformed or abolished, the 1983 action will continue to play an important role in protecting the civil rights of individuals in the United States. At Paul Padda Law, our lawyers are highly experienced in handling civil rights cases of all types. If you’re thinking about a 1983 action or some other type of civil rights case, give us a call today at (702) 707-3000. Civil rights cases can be difficult. For this reason, having the right lawyer by your side is very important. Give us a call and let us help you.
Common Injuries from Accidents The NHTSA reports that over three million people every year are injured in automobile accidents. The vast majority of these injuries, thankfully, are very minor: cuts, bruises, minor concussions and the like. More severe injuries also result, however, and these vary with the kinds of accidents suffered. The possibilities from a…
Nobody wants to get pulled over. It’s a stressful time, and your immediate reaction is likely to get defensive, but it’s important to remember, to take the right steps and actions to ensure a positive reaction between you and the police officer. Remember, given recent media events, police officers tend to be very on edge…
Dog bites can be terrifying and carry untold consequences with them, from infections to severe injury and even disease. When a dog attacks, victims are outraged, confused and frightened. The problem is even worse when the victim is a child and the dog belongs to a neighbor. What do you do right away, and how…
Although freedom of speech is a right protected by the first amendment, an employer has the right to terminate you for any conduct deemed “inappropriate” by company standards. First amendment rights are meant to protect a citizen’s statements about the government. Any statements made about other entities may not be protected. This code extends itself…
A wrong-way crash in Nevada recently caused a fatality. A 34-year-old driver was traveling southbound on I-580 in the northbound lanes. The motorist reportedly struck an Expedition, killing the passenger in the Expedition. The driver of the Expedition was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. The initial wrong-way head-on crash resulted in a chain…
As teens go back to school this fall, many will transition from riding a school bus to driving themselves. However, passing a driver’s test alone does give a young driver enough experience to fully handle all the driving hazards on our roads today. Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of death for teens. Take…
