Federal judge rejects Denver’s challenge to $14M verdict in George Floyd protest case

A federal choose rejected the town of Denver’s attraction of a $14 million landmark verdict in favor of protesters who have been injured in 2020 by law enforcement officials throughout the George Floyd protests.

Driving the information: In a 24-page order issued Monday, U.S. District Courtroom Choose R. Brooke Jackson, dismissed the town’s request for a brand new trial and refused to cut back the damages awarded to 12 protesters who have been shot with rubber projectiles and chemical weapons.

• “The police little doubt confronted a really tough scenario, as there have been people within the crowds who threw rocks, full water bottles, and different objects at officers all through the protests,” the choose wrote.
• “Nevertheless, Denver’s cussed [insistence] that the police did nothing mistaken within the face of overwhelming video proof on the contrary, coupled with proof that every plaintiff was peaceable however sustained accidents because of the misconduct, was adequate to assist the jurors’ verdict,” Jackson added.

Catch up fast: In March, the federal jury heard three weeks of testimony and deliberated for 5 hours earlier than discovering the town violated the civil rights of 12 protesters named within the lawsuit.

• It turned the primary jury verdict within the nation to carry legislation enforcement officers liable to be used of pressure in opposition to protesters in 2020 following Floyd’s loss of life in Minneapolis.

Denver’s attorneys acknowledged that law enforcement officials made errors within the response, however they argued the actions have been applicable due to the massive crowds, proof of property destruction and violent conduct of some within the streets.

• 9 protesters acquired $1 million every in damages in opposition to the town, and one other acquired $3 million due to the extent of his accidents.
• Elisabeth Epps, the lead plaintiff, acquired $1.25 million.

Sure, however: Jackson agreed to cut back $250,000 in damages issued in opposition to former officer Jonathan Christian, ruling the advantageous was extreme for firing one pepper ball at Epps.

• The choose put the damages at $50,000.

What they’re saying: “We’re thrilled with the court docket’s cautious and considerate ruling upholding the jury’s verdict and rejecting the town’s effort to toss it out,” Timothy Macdonald, an legal professional for the plaintiffs, mentioned in a press release.

The opposite aspect: Town legal professional’s workplace couldn’t instantly be reached for remark, however Mayor Michael Hancock beforehand expressed criticism of the jury’s ruling.