U.S. Supreme Court won't review police use of stun guns

Published: Tuesday, May 29 2012 11:35 a.m. MDT

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Summary

The Supreme Court has decided that it will not review the appropriateness of stun guns used by police on suspects.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has decided that it will not review the appropriateness of stun guns used by police on suspects.

The high court on Tuesday refused to hear appeals from police in Hawaii and Washington, or people who got stun-gunned by officers.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said officers could not be sued in federal court. But judges also said officers used excessive force by using stun guns.

Malaika Brooks was driving her son to school in 2004 when she was stopped for speeding. Officers used a Taser three times when the woman, who was seven months pregnant, refused to get out of her car.

Jayzel Mattos was stun-gunned in 2006 in her house by police who said she interfered with the arrest of her husband, Troy.

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The Skeptical Chymist

SALT LAKE CITY, UT

While most policemen are careful about the use of force, there is certainly a minority who go WAY over the line. Tasers are a potentially lethal weapon, that should only be used when there are no other alternatives available. The car of the More..

9:04 a.m. May 30, 2012
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Rifleman

Salt Lake City, Utah

Re: The Skeptical Chymist SALT LAKE CITY, UT

Comply with lawful commands issued by a duly sworn peace officer and you won't get tasered. Washington state law requires the driver to sign the citation and this woman refused. She was More..

11:19 a.m. May 30, 2012
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The Skeptical Chymist

SALT LAKE CITY, UT

@Rifleman

I have the utmost respect for our policemen, but I don't care how little sympathy you have for the driver. This action was unnecessary. Yes, going 32 in a 20 school zone is a serious infraction. So is running a red light. More..

5:30 p.m. May 30, 2012
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