Civil Rights
Why the Bosh Decision is Important for OklahomaPosted in Civil Rights on July 1, 2013
When the Oklahoma Supreme Court affirmed its decision in Bosh v. Cherokee County Governmental Building Authority, 2013 OK 9, it removed a significant legal barrier that prevented Oklahomans from holding county government accountable when its jailers used excessive force on innocent people. For more information on the decision, see our previous post here. But why… read more…
Oklahoma Supreme Court Affirms Bosh DecisionPosted in Civil Rights on June 28, 2013
Victims of excessive force within Oklahoma jails can now seek relief in the state courts throughout Oklahoma. On Thursday June 27, 2013, the Oklahoma Supreme Court affirmed its decision in Bosh v. Cherokee County Governmental Building Authority, 2013 OK 9. The Court initially issued the opinion in February, but the Defendant and numerous other governmental… read more…
Mug Shots Subject to Open Records ActPosted in Civil Rights on June 1, 2013
A new opinion from Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has declared that mug shots, or booking photos, fall within the scope of the Oklahoma Open Records Act. According to the Attorney General’s opinion, the image constitutes an “arrestee description.” This broad interpretation of the Open Records Act could compel law enforcement agencies to change their… read more…
Court Rules Dash Cam Videos Subject to Oklahoma Open Records ActPosted in Civil Rights on June 1, 2013
In a 2-1 decision issued on May 31, 2013, a panel of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals has ruled that videos from dash cameras mounted in the patrol cars of police officers are subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act (the “Act”). See Ward v. Claremore. More importantly, however, the Court ruled that police and… read more…
Staffing Shortages in Oklahoma Prisons Could Result in LitigationPosted in Civil Rights on May 9, 2013
Officials with the Oklahoma Correctional Professionals Association met with legislators yesterday to warn them of the dangerous staffing levels at DOC facilities. According to the DOC, Oklahoma prisons are currently staffed at 62% while the inmate population at the facilities are hitting maximum capacity. Inadequate staffing can substantially impair the safety of both staff and… read more…
Should Law Enforcement Be Trained To Deal With Severe Mental Illness Or Excited Delirium?Posted in Civil Rights,Excessive Force on May 7, 2013
Did excited delirium result in the death of an Oklahoma City man? Are law enforcement equipped and trained to deal with mental distress and mental illness? An allegedly delusional man was arrested on May 2, 2013 near 1400 block of NW 99 of Oklahoma City, OK. The man apparently was in a state of mental distress… read more…