New Jersey Civil Rights Lawsuit Awards Ramapo Family $2.1 Million
As citizens of the United States, we have certain rights. New Jersey civil rights law also governs many of these rights. Violation of these valued rights and freedoms can result in a significant monetary judgment against the offending party or parties. In certain cases, both criminal and civil charges can be brought against offenders of basic human rights. A New Jersey civil rights lawyer can explain how the civil rights law may apply to each situation.
Overview of case
A recent civil case involving a Ramapo town worker who was killed by a New Jersey park police officer awarded the family of the deceased $2.1 million. The jury in the civil case found that the police officer used unnecessary force when he shot and killed the worker who was attending a barbecue along with other members of the Ramapough Lenape Indian tribe. The killing of the man occurred during a confrontation with park police who were attempting to enforce a law prohibiting the use of ATVs in the park. The death resulted in criminal charges, and eventually relatives of the dead man also filed a racial discrimination lawsuit.
Verdict of criminal trial
Criminal charges were brought against the officer who shot and killed the victim at the confrontation outside Ringwood State Park where the victim and other tribe members had gathered to celebrate. At the criminal trial, the police officer claimed he shot the victim in self-defense. The jury acquitted the officer of the criminal charges.
The family of the deceased then brought a lawsuit under New Jersey civil rights law against New Jersey and the park police. In a civil trial, the standard of evidence is less than that of a criminal trial. The outcome of this trial was in favor of the victim’s relatives and the civil court jury awarded damages.
If you have questions about civil rights in New Jersey, or if you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, speak to a skilled New Jersey civil rights attorney.
Copyright© 2012 LexisNexis. All rights reserved.