The Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reversed their decision
Petitioner Scott was granted summary judgement
Scott defends his actions by pointing out public safety
Justice Scalia finds the video to be ineffective.
The court stated that the court of appeals should not have viewed the video in favor of Harris when there was no argument present.
The court used Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 388 (1989).
Procedural History
Holding
Issue
Did deputy Scott violate his fourth amendment rights by terminating the chase in a risky way to protect the lives of other innocent people?
It is reasonable to stop the individual with any force necessary in order to prevent others from getting hurt.
The deputy's actions were "objectively reasonable" since he tried protected lives of the innocent by stopping Harris's car.
A police officer hit the back of a fleeing vehicle forcing him off the road in efforts to stop him. The deputy violated his fourth amendment rights by using excessive force.
This case started in the Northern District Court of Georgia where Deputy Scott’s motion for summary judgement was denied.
Deputy Scott appealed and the 11th circuit court of appeals affirmed the previous court’s decision.
Deputy Scott petitioned for a writ of certiorari and his case was accepted by the supreme court.
Facts
The car chase was caught on video.
In March 2001, Harris was caught speeding and fled from the police.
Scott rammed into the back of Harris’s vehicle in order to stop him.
Harris got into a car accident and became quadriplegic.