Minnesota police accountability and Justice

 

 

the purpose of this bill is to end qualified immunity for police officers in Minnesota. This bill seeks to ensure that

law enforcement officers are held legally accountable for violations of citizens constitutional rights. It would allow

individuals to pursue civil action against officers who engage in misconduct, without defense of qualified immunity

preventing justice.

 

 

Studies show over half of qualified-immunity appeals are granted, and officers pay only 0.02% of civil-rights

settlements, leaving taxpayers responsible. Many cases are dismissed before trial, blocking victims from

justice.According to data on police-misconduct payouts in Minnesota, Minneapolis alone accounted for 177 misconduct

settlements totaling approximately $36 million between 2010 and 2020, not including the separate $27 million settlement

for the murder of George Floyd.

 

Qualified immunity- a legal rule that prevents officers from being sued unless they violate a clearly established right.

Law enforcement officer- any police officer or sheriff's deputy in minnesota.

 

Civil Action- a lawsuit filed by someone whose rights were violated.

 

 

no funding needed

 

 

Civil Enforcement

• People harmed by police misconduct could sue the officer personally.

• Courts can award financial compensation to victims.

 

January 1 2027