Opinion ID: 3013186
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: M unicipal Liability Claim

Text: A municipality cannot be held liable under a theory of respondeat superior under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 unless the constitutional injuries alleged were caused by a municipal policy -13- or custom. See Monell v. Dep’t of Soc. Serv. of New York, 436 U.S. 659, 694 (1978). Persico claims on appeal that his constitutional injuries were caused by the highest ranking and policy making officials in the Police Department. Because we affirm the District Court’s grant of judgment to the defendants with respect to Persico’s First Amendment and Due Process claims, Persico has not successfully alleged a constitutional injury. Proof of a constitutional injury is a threshold requirement for a Monell claim. Persico’s Monell claim has no merit for the additional reason that he submitted no evidence other than his own assertions of a municipal policy or custom to discriminate or intimidate him into retirement. The plaintiff’s assertions alone are insufficient evidence to withstand a motion for summary judgment.