Source: https://www.mashellawllc.com/mashel-law-represents-persons-whose-civil-rights-have-been-viola.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 10:46:46+00:00

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The Constitution of the United States of America guarantees the citizens of this great country freedom from overreaching and abusive conduct by our federal, state and local governments and those who work for them. Unfortunately, too often we learn of instances where private citizens have been the victims of police brutality, unlawful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, or the unlawful taking of property. The attorneys at Mashel Law are ready to fight to vindicate and obtain damages for economic loss and personal injury caused by the unconstitutional deprivation of your rights.
42 U.S.C. § 1983 Amnesty America v. Town of West Hartford, 361 F.3d 113, 124-25 (2d Cir. 2004).
A local city or municipality may also be held liable under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for the violation of a person’s civil rights. In Monell v. Department of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658, 690 (1978), the United States Supreme Court established that local governing bodies can be sued directly under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for monetary, declaratory, or injunctive relief when the action that is alleged to be unconstitutional implements or executes a policy statement, ordinance, regulation, or decision officially adopted and promulgated by that body’s officers.
A prevailing plaintiff under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 is entitled to fair and reasonable compensatory damages for economic loss and personal injuries. Punitive damages are available under the statute against individual defendants. A prevailing party is also entitled to an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs.
New Jersey has its own civil rights act aptly called The New Jersey Civil Rights Act (“CRA”). CRA prohibits all persons “acting under color of law” from depriving any other person of “any substantive rights, privileges or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of this State, or whose exercise or enjoyment of those substantive rights, privileges or immunities has been interfered with or attempted to be interfered with, by threats, intimidation or coercion.” N.J.S.A. 10:6-2(c). The purpose of the private CRA cause of action is “assuring a state law cause of action for violations of state and federal constitutional rights and to fill any gaps in state statutory anti-discrimination protection.” Tumpson v. Farina, 431 N.J. Super. 164, 181 (App. Div. 2013) (quoting Owens v. Feigin, 194 N.J. 607, 611 (2008) (holding tort claims notice does not apply to CRA claims)). There are two types of claims under the CRA: (1) a claim where one is “deprived of a right”; and (2), a claim where one's “rights are interfered with by threats, intimidation, coercion or force”. Id. at 181-82.
If you believe your civil rights have been violated by a public entity or an agent, representative or employee thereof call the lawyers at Mashel Law (732) 536-6161 for help or fill out the contact form on this page.

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