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Nature of Suit Code: 440
Nature of Suit: Other Civil Rights
Cause of Action: 

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IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT

No. 15-50883

JESSICA PATE, in her individual capacity and on behalf of J.L.C., in her 

capacity as his parent and his legal guardian; J. L. C., a minor, by and 

through his parent and legal guardian, Jessica Pate, 

 Plaintiffs - Appellants

v.

KARIN HARBERS, in her individual capacity; BRENDA CHATMAN, in her 

individual capacity; CHARLEEN HUNTER, in her individual capacity, 

 Defendants - Appellees

Appeal from the United States District Court

for the Western District of Texas

USDC No. 1:15-CV-375

Before KING, JOLLY, and ELROD, Circuit Judges.

PER CURIAM:*

Plaintiffs–Appellants Jessica Pate and J.L.C. appeal the district court’s 

dismissal of their claims brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against Defendants–

Appellees Karin Harbers, Brenda Chatman, and Charleen Hunter. This 

appeal presents a close case advanced by able lawyers. We have reviewed the 

 

* Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not 

be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH 

CIR. R. 47.5.4.

United States Court of Appeals

Fifth Circuit

FILED

July 14, 2016

Lyle W. Cayce

Clerk

 Case: 15-50883 Document: 00513592827 Page: 1 Date Filed: 07/14/2016
No. 15-50883

2

district court’s opinion, and have carefully reviewed the record and the wellargued briefs. Finally, we have engaged in a comprehensive exchange with 

counsel during oral argument. 

Although the defendants were presented with a close case relative to 

balancing the interests of this two-year-old child and the rights of the parent, 

we do not think the defendants acted unreasonably in the light of the 

established law. The defendants are therefore entitled to claim qualified 

immunity and the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.

 Case: 15-50883 Document: 00513592827 Page: 2 Date Filed: 07/14/2016