Ninth Circuit Rules Deadly Force Justified in the Fatal Shooting of a Knife-Wielding, Mentally Ill Man
The court ruled that deadly force was reasonable given the circumstances, emphasizing the severity of the crime, whether the threat was immediate and the man’s resistance. His mental illness wasn’t relevant, the court said, and it ruled the officers…
Ninth Circuit Rules Parole Questions During Traffic Stops Are Constitutionally Valid
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that asking about a driver’s parole status during a traffic stop is a constitutionally valid safety measure. This decision affirms that such questions, directly related to officer safety, do not…
Court Rules Forcing Parolees to Use Biometrics to Unlock Phones Is Lawful
Requiring a parolee to use a thumbprint to access their phone is lawful and does not breach Fifth Amendment rights. This practice is permitted under parole conditions. The court also ruled that the legality of a "security sweep" before a…
Court Invalidates Evidence Discovered After Group Detention Expires
The Third District Court of Appeal determined that searching a vehicle without probable cause is illegal. Additionally, once reasonable suspicion of criminal activity dissipates following the arrest of one group member, all other members must be…
Resisting an Officer by Force or Violence May Include Pointing an Unloaded Firearm at an Officer (69(a)
A new ruling defines the scope of resisting arrest by force or violence under 69(a) P.C. A defendant's threat with an unloaded handgun led to conviction, showcasing legal interpretations and officer restraint.