Ex-Lacrosse Players File Sweeping Federal Lawsuit Against Durham
Greensboro — Three former Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape filed a federal civil lawsuit Friday, seeking an unspecified amount in punitive and compensatory damages, as well as numerous reforms to the way the Durham Police Department handles criminal investigations.
The 155-page complaint – filed against the city of Durham, former District Attorney Mike Nifong, former police Chief Steve Chalmers and several police detectives and officers – seeks damages that would punish the defendants "for outrageous conduct pursued out of actual malice" that violated the players' civil rights.
It calls for the appointment of an independent monitor who would oversee the police department for 10 years and have the power to hire, fire and promote police department personnel, including the chief of police.
City spokewoman Beverly Thompson said the city's attorneys will conduct a "full and thorough review" and fight the complaint.
"We understand the complaint assesses claims against the city and its employees that appear to be based on untested and unproven legal theories," Thompson said in a statement. "In light of that, the City Council has directed legal counsel to vigorously defend the city and city employees in court against this lawsuit."
"We look forward to it," said Richard D. Emery, a New York-based civil rights attorney representing Reade Seligmann. (Hear the full interview with Emery.)
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http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1896692/
Greensboro — Three former Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape filed a federal civil lawsuit Friday, seeking an unspecified amount in punitive and compensatory damages, as well as numerous reforms to the way the Durham Police Department handles criminal investigations.
The 155-page complaint – filed against the city of Durham, former District Attorney Mike Nifong, former police Chief Steve Chalmers and several police detectives and officers – seeks damages that would punish the defendants "for outrageous conduct pursued out of actual malice" that violated the players' civil rights.
It calls for the appointment of an independent monitor who would oversee the police department for 10 years and have the power to hire, fire and promote police department personnel, including the chief of police.
City spokewoman Beverly Thompson said the city's attorneys will conduct a "full and thorough review" and fight the complaint.
"We understand the complaint assesses claims against the city and its employees that appear to be based on untested and unproven legal theories," Thompson said in a statement. "In light of that, the City Council has directed legal counsel to vigorously defend the city and city employees in court against this lawsuit."
"We look forward to it," said Richard D. Emery, a New York-based civil rights attorney representing Reade Seligmann. (Hear the full interview with Emery.)
More..
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1896692/