Graham v. Cawthorn

Appellant was a police department officer when he arrested Appellee for disorderly conduct and refusal to submit to arrest. Appellee was convicted of both offenses. The circuit court subsequently overturned the disorderly-conduct conviction. Appellee brought suit against Appellant in his individual and official capacities in the U.S. district court. After Appellee's federal case was dismissed, she brought suit against Appellant in his individual and official capacities in state court. The suit was virtually identical to the suit brought in federal court. Appellant filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings, arguing that Appellee's cause of action was barred by collateral estoppel and that he was entitled to qualified immunity. The circuit court denied Appellant's motion, and Appellant brought this interlocutory appeal. The Supreme Court reversed and remanded, holding (1) Appellant was entitled to qualified immunity on Appellee's right-to-remonstrate claim; and (2) collateral estoppel barred the remaining claims. View "Graham v. Cawthorn" on Justia Law