Fourth Circuit United States v. Buzzard, 2021 U.S. App. LEXIS 17518 (4th Cir. WV June 11, 2021) Around 1:30 a.m., a police officer pulled over a car for a defective brake light. Jason Buzzard was driving, and Paul Martin was in the passenger seat of the car. When the officer made contact with the Buzzard, he requested Buzzard’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. […]
Circuit Courts of Appeals – July 2021 Continue Reading
On June 28th, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas released a statement pertaining to the federal ban on the cultivation and use of marijuana within states where he noted that it “may no longer be necessary or proper.” This statement was made in connection with the denial of a petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in
Half In, Half Out Continue Reading
Law enforcement agencies in the United States know all too well the importance of protecting individuals’ First Amendment rights during mass demonstrations. But what happens when officers find themselves in the crosshairs of the demonstrators’ rage? This is the challenge faced by officers more and more, particularly after the in-custody death of George Floyd on May 26, 2020. Faced with the dichotomy between protecting
On June 23, 2021, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS), in Lange v. Californiai examined whether pursuit of a fleeing misdemeanor suspect always qualifies as an exigent circumstance. SCOTUS unanimously held that it does not. Facts The defendant, Arthur Lange, was convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. One night in 2016, Lange was on his way home when he drove past a California highway patrol officer while playing loud music with his windows down and
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Our case today is another question of excessive use of force stemming from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In this case officers arrive to the scene to handle a perceived violent individual who may or may not have been experiencing a seizure. From the facts in this case, it seems that our suspect, James O’Doan, was of sound mind and was evading police during his “episode”.
Excessive Use of Force – Ninth Circuit Continue Reading
On June 28, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) examined the topic of excessive force in the case of Lombardo v. City of St. Louis. In an unsigned opinion — and over the dissents of three justices — SCOTUS threw out the 8th Circuit Court ruling in favor of the officers—which dismissed the excessive force suit filed by the man’s parents—and
SCOTUS: Excessive Force Continue Reading
In today’s case out of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals we encounter two known drug users and Miranda rights. As a reminder, you are required to provide Miranda warnings when conducting a “custodial interrogation”. A person is in “custody” for Miranda, purposes, when there is a formal arrest, or you are restraining the person’s freedom of movement to the degree associated with a formal arrest. To determine whether a person was in custody, the court
Casual Miranda Rights – Eighth Circuit Continue Reading
Today we travel to the Fifth Circuit to review a fatal use of force case. As officers, we never want to be in the position where we get to the point of needing to deploy our firearm to protect ourselves, but as you will see in this case the use of force was more than necessary. What should have been a simple traffic stop
Fatal Use of Force – Fifth Circuit Continue Reading
On June 10, 2021, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS), in Borden v. United States, examined whether, under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), 18 U.S. §924(e), crimes involving recklessness constitute “violent felonies” for sentence enhancement purposes. A fractured court ruled that it does not. Facts This case involved a provision of ACCA that imposed a 15-year minimum on anyone convicted of being a
SCOTUS: Borden v. United States Continue Reading
Welcome to the Guardian Mindset weekly recap from Daigle Law Group. These updates will help provide open and transparent information you can review and share with your agency. We believe Knowledge is Power and that we must find the most efficient ways to bring you education in the path to developing the Guardian Mindset. Recommended Viewing Recommended Reading Catch up on the latest legal updates, breaking news,
Guardian Mindset – Weekly Recap Continue Reading