First Amendment

Fences, Free Speech, and a Trump Rally Tussle: Ninth Circuit Upholds Phoenix’s Crowd-Control Tactics in Puente

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a recent decision in Puente v. City of Phoenix1, a case that examines law enforcement’s application of force when attempting to maintain order in response to large crowd-control situations. Arising from a protest outside a rally for then-President Trump in Phoenix, Arizona in 2017, the Phoenix Convention Center drew a crowd of demonstrators that required a safety-response plan […]

Fences, Free Speech, and a Trump Rally Tussle: Ninth Circuit Upholds Phoenix’s Crowd-Control Tactics in Puente Continue Reading

AI in Law Enforcement: Innovation, Risk, and the Road Ahead

The Future of AI in Law Enforcement The Guardian Mindset Podcast is back with a critical conversation on Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement. Attorney Eric Daigle sits down with Attorney Joseph Race, an expert in policy and accreditation, to break down the real-world implications of AI in policing. From predictive analytics and real-time crime centers to the legal minefield of facial recognition, this episode

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Silenced Speech: The Supreme Court and the Battle Over Retaliatory Arrests

In a recent case coming out of Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court issued a highly anticipated decision that grapples with retaliatory arrests, First Amendment freedoms, and the scope of the Nieves v. Bartlett “probable cause” exception. Gonzales v. Trevino reached the High Court after Sylvia Gonzalez—a 72-year-old councilwoman from Castle Hills, Texas — was arrested and charged for violating a state law that prohibits

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First Amendment Frontlines: Laredo Litigation Looms and the Lingering Legalities for Law Enforcement

In recent developments regarding a First Amendment case that continues to be revisited, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rendered its decision in the case of Villarreal v. City of Laredo. The crux of this case revolves around the critical balance between First Amendment rights in the evolving legal landscape surrounding citizen journalism, and how this intersects with law enforcement officers’ entitlement to qualified

First Amendment Frontlines: Laredo Litigation Looms and the Lingering Legalities for Law Enforcement Continue Reading

Navigating the Slippery Slope of Free Speech and Retaliation in the Murphy v. Schmitt Case

The Eight Circuit’s recent decision in Murphy v. Schmitt highlights the fine balance between the First Amendment right to free speech, retaliatory claims, unlawful detention, and the discretionary powers of law enforcement officers. The central conflict in this case stems from a contentious encounter between Officer Michael Schmitt of Sunrise Beach and a local pedestrian, Mason Murphy. Before delving into the details of Murphy

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Caution Ahead: Balancing First Amendment Rights and Police Enforcement in Traffic Operations

The Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a decision in Friend v. Gasparino, a case that grapples with alleged violations of an individual’s First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights following the arrest of citizen Michael Friend, for displaying a sign on a public sidewalk that warned drivers of a police operation ahead. Friend pursued five claims against Officer Gasparino and the City

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Traffic Stop Turmoil: Reasonable Suspicion Leads to Discovery of Illegal Drugs

In United States v. Batara-Molina, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals addressed the issue of whether a traffic stop was unlawfully prolonged for a canine sniff lacking reasonable suspicion, in violation of the Fourth Amendment.1  Summary  Wyoming Deputy Eric Coxbill stopped Ian Batara-Molina’s vehicle for driving 49 mph in a 45-mph zone. As he approached the car, the Deputy detected a strong flower-like odor.

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Supreme Court Ruling on Navigating the Line Between True Threats and Free Speech

On June 27, 2023, the United States Supreme Court’s verdict on Counterman v. Colorado will likely send ripples through the legal landscape, offering critical guidance on First Amendment interpretation, ‘true threats,’ and protected speech. This article seeks to break down the Court’s decision and rationale, helping law enforcement officers grasp the ruling’s implications. Billy Counterman was found guilty of stalking after engaging in two years of

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Anticipations Rise: Fifth Circuit’s Reconsidered Ruling on Pivotal Case for Citizen Journalism, Free Speech, and Qualified Immunity Awaited

The recent case of Villarreal v. City of Laredo has brought attention to the First Amendment rights of citizens and the validity of qualified immunity to law enforcement officers.1 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard arguments regarding the case of a controversial citizen journalist from Laredo Texas, Priscilla Villarreal, who was arrested in 2017.  Priscilla Villarreal is facing a felony

Anticipations Rise: Fifth Circuit’s Reconsidered Ruling on Pivotal Case for Citizen Journalism, Free Speech, and Qualified Immunity Awaited Continue Reading

Supreme Court 2023: What Cases are on the Docket with the Potential to Reshape Law Enforcement Landscape 

The Supreme Court of the United States has a packed schedule in 2023, with several cases that could potentially impact law enforcement officers and departments across the country. In this article, we will provide an overview of both, scheduled and petitioned cases to be on the lookout for.   First up on the Court’s Docket is Counterman v. Colorado, which is set to be argued

Supreme Court 2023: What Cases are on the Docket with the Potential to Reshape Law Enforcement Landscape  Continue Reading

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Author: Attorney Eric Daigle

Attorney Daigle focuses on evaluating and providing policy and training on areas of increased liability for departments across the country. Attorney Daigle’s keynote focuses on understanding current trends in legal standards, operational standards, and community concern. More importantly, the intersection between these topics to provide departments evaluation and recommendations to move forward.
This publication is produced to provide general information on the topic presented. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher (Daigle Law Group, LLC) is not engaged in rendering legal or professional services. Although this publication is prepared by professionals, it should not be used as a substitute for professional services. If legal or other professional advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought.

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