Title: Explain how criminal justice personnel can protect themselves from civil liability.
Course: Criminal Justice II (15051-II) > Section: Preparing for a Career in Criminal Justice

Explanation should include

- the concept of the vicarious (third-party) liability
- the concept of acting in good faith
- risk management techniques
- how police and corrections officers are governed by civil law
- the agency’s responsibility with regard to civil liability
- the administrative actions a police department may take against an officer who violates policy
- various awards issued by the courts to plaintiffs
- the differences between Section 1983 and tort suits.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What amendment guarantees citizens the right to sue government representatives for violating their rights or for causing them injury?
- How does civil law govern police and corrections officers?
- What are two primary defenses to a tort suit?
- What are three types of court rulings for the plaintiff in a civil suit?
- What are punitive damages?
- What is the major difference between Section 1983 and tort suits?
- What is the importance of sovereign immunity?