Court Opinion

ID: 9472142
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 03:51:05.071285+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:42:45.968826
License: Public Domain

FAY, Circuit Judge,
concurring in part and dissenting in part:
While agreeing with most of the majority opinion, I respectfully dissent from that section labeled Damages. Judge Hatchett has set forth fully the facts and law surrounding the issues presented. The claims for damages flowing from the denials of due process were fully supported by the evidence and properly submitted to the jury. The jury responded with specific awards for specific claims. The trial judge reviewed the awards and affirmed. Obviously, the trial judge was not “shocked” by the amounts and neither am I. There is nothing excessive about $100,000 being awarded for this type of conduct. Even civil employees have rights. Even police officers are entitled to the full protection of the law.
In my opinion the majority has merely substituted its subjective thoughts on money damages for the considered opinions rendered by the jury and trial judge. Such is not the function of appellate judges. I would affirm the judgment in toto.