End to ‘qualified immunity’ for police

“Qualified immunity” has been a shield to police officers who have been sued by the people for brutality. It is a legal doctrine by the U.S. that was established to protect government officials as long as their actions did not violate “federal law or constitutional rights”.

What We Know:

  • The community believes that this is one of the “key” points to reform the police department. It is also the most debated topic in the U.S.
  • However, the proposal to end ‘qualified immunity‘ has not been welcome in congress which they believe is “creating deep divisions”.
  • Even though this proposal is not welcome, many are standing up and showing their support such as the Players Coalition with more than 1,400 signature from current or former professional athletes.

https://twitter.com/TomBrady/status/1267549048933883906?s=20

  • Mike Braun (R-Ind) has voiced his opinion and said that they are not ruling out the idea.
  • Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is hoping to bring a bill to the Senate floor before July 4th on new training for the police department but is ruling out qualified immunity. Many senators and the White House themselves have voiced their opinions on not “considering” the idea of abolishing qualified immunity to government officials.
  • Many critics have talked about the number of police brutality cases that have been thrown out with little to no facts. An independent source like Reuters has found dozens of cases, just as bad as George Floyd’s death, that have been thrown out in court.

Qualified immunity has been a debatable topic during the past years but has made headlines and the community demands a change due to the recent death of George Floyd. His death has sparked outrage and gathered thousands of people all over the world to end police brutality. The community believes that along with banning tear gas, setting new reforms, or disbanding the police department, they also need to cut their immunity as a reminder that no one is ‘above the law’.