Baldwin v. City of Estherville, Iowa

by
The Supreme Court answered a question asked by the federal district court as to whether a defendant can raise a defense of qualified immunity to an individual’s claim for damages in violation of Iowa Const. art. I, 1 and 8.The operator of an ATV was arrested then released based on the finding that his conduct was not prohibited by law. Thereafter, the ATV operator brought suit against the city and the police officers under article I, sections 1 and 8 of the Iowa Constitution. The case was removed to federal court, which granted summary judgment to Defendants. The federal district court then certified a question of law to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court answered that a defendant who pleads and proves as an affirmative defense that the defendant exercised all due care to conform with the requirements of the law is entitled to qualified immunity on an individual’s claim for damages in violation of article I, sections 1 and 8 of the Iowa Constitution. View "Baldwin v. City of Estherville, Iowa" on Justia Law