HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-41Resolution 2020-41
A Resolution in Opposition to Any Legislative Effort to Repeal or Revise the Judicial Doctrine of
Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officials
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of Virginia is considering possible repeal or revision of the judicial
doctrine of qualified immunity,and
WHEREAS, qualified immunity protects law enforcement officials from frivolous, vengeful, and harassing
lawsuits while allowing full trial of any case with merit; and
WHEREAS, any legislative repeal or revision of qualified immunity would manifestly harm law enforcement
by putting law enforcement officers at constant risk of unjustified lawsuit suits for almost every action they
take; and
WHEREAS, any legislative repeal or revision of qualified immunity would require the taxpayers of the Town
of Pulaski to pay for the defense of any and every claim against law enforcement officials, no matter how
frivolous or unjustified; and
WHEREAS, repeal or revision would contribute to making law enforcement officials hesitate or refrain from
becoming involved in some high -conflict situations because of the fear of liability, even for actions taken in
good faith, and such hesitation or restraint will jeopardize public safety; and
WHEREAS, repeal or revision would make it harder to recruit and to retain the most highly qualified
candidates for officer positions because of the fear of repeated unjustified lawsuits; and
WHEREAS, efforts at repeal or revision represent ill-advised prejudice against the men and women of law
enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to 'protect public safety,
NOW THEREFORE be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia sitting in regular
session this 15th day of December 2020:
1. That the Town of Pulaski opposes any legislative repeal or revision of the judicial doctrine of
qualified immunity and urges the County's delegation to the General Assembly to oppose any
such effort.
2. The Clerk shall provide an attested copy of this resolution to all members of the Town's
delegation to the General Assembly.
This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted this 15th day of December 2020 by the duly
recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as follows:
Lane R. Penn -Present James A. Radcliffe -Aye
Brooks R. Dawson -Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Nay
THE TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA
BY: _ /?
W. Shannon Collins
Mayor
ATTEST:
David N. Quesenberry
Clerk of Council