2019 Lesson 2: Legal Update

This is an online Missouri-specific legal studies course. The lesson addresses recent court decisions providing guidance to law enforcement officers regarding: 

• When an officer finds a driver away from the scene of an accident, when will the officer have probable cause to believe the driver was intoxicated while driving; 

• What evidence can be used to prove intoxication at the time of driving; 

• When will an officer be entitled to qualified immunity for using force against a plaintiff who ignores the officer’s commands; 

• When will evidence seized by a private citizen be admissible against a defendant in a criminal trial; 

• How courts determine whether a person conducts a search as a private citizen or a government agent; 

• When may officers reasonably rely on a person’s apparent authority to grant consent to enter a dwelling; 

• What factors courts consider when determining if a person has apparent authority; and

• Will an officer be entitled to qualified immunity for using deadly force against a suspect with a reputation for violence but who does not appear to be armed at the time of the seizure.