Graham floats potential compromise on qualified immunity
by Stephen Neukam - 01/30/23 11:34 AM ET
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is floating a possible compromise on what was one of the key holdups in the negotiations surrounding policing reform legislation after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
The death of Tyre Nichols, 29, at the hands of police in Memphis earlier this month has sparked a renewed push for policing reform legislation. But one of the main obstacles to an agreement between Republicans and Democrats has long been the issue of qualified immunity.
Qualified immunity is the rule that shields law enforcement from liability in civil lawsuits unless accusers can prove that the allegations amount to a violation of constitutional rights and those rights are “clearly established.” It is a hurdle that a number of activists and some lawmakers say is unclear in many police misconduct cases.
Democrats wanted it axed in talks over a policing reform package in 2020, but Republicans insisted the protections stay.
But Graham floated on social media that while he doesn’t believe individual officers should have civil lawsuits filed against them, he does believe that police departments should face liability for the actions of their officers.
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/3835986-graham-floats-potential-compromise-on-qualified-immunity/
