Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_15-cv-01652/USCOURTS-caed-1_15-cv-01652-4/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Civil Rights Act

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

At the scheduling conference, counsel for the plaintiff indicated on the record that the 

plaintiff has no opposition to the motion to strike (Doc. 19). Thus, the Court VACATES the 

scheduled hearing and GRANTS the motion.

I. Analysis

It is well-settled that in an action brought under 42 USC § 1983, municipal entities may not 

be held liable for punitive damages. In City of Newport v. Facts Concert, Inc., 453 U.S. 247 

(1981), the Court held,

In sum, we find that considerations of history and policy do not support exposing a 

municipality to punitive damages for the bad-faith actions of its officials. Because 

absolute immunity from such damages obtained at common law and was 

undisturbed by the 42d Congress, and because that immunity is compatible with 

both the purposes of § 1983 and general principles of public policy, we hold that a 

municipality is immune from punitive damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. 

Id. at 271. Likewise, California Government Code § 818 makes municipalities immune from an 

ARTURO MORALES,

 Plaintiff,

v.

CITY OF BAKERSFIELD, et al.,

Defendants.

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Case No.: 1:15-cv-1652 JLT

ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO STRIKE

(Doc. 19)

Case 1:15-cv-01652-JLT Document 27 Filed 06/23/16 Page 1 of 2
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award of punitive damages as to state law claims. This section reads, “Notwithstanding any other 

provision of law, a public entity is not liable for damages awarded under Section 3294 of the Civil 

Code or other damages imposed primarily for the sake of example and by way of punishing the 

defendant.” 

Thus, good cause appearing, the motion to strike the request for punitive damages against 

the City of Bakersfield is GRANTED. All references to a claim for punitive damages in the 

second amended complaint (Doc. 7) against the City of Bakersfield are STRICKEN.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: June 23, 2016 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:15-cv-01652-JLT Document 27 Filed 06/23/16 Page 2 of 2