2020 Lesson 9: Legal Update

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

• Whether a motorist’s touching or crossing of the fog line is a traffic violation; 

• When an officer may stop a vehicle for a minor traffic violation; 

• What officer actions amount to a seizure of a suspect; 

• Whether an unlicensed driver in possession of a rental car has Fourth Amendment protection in the car; 

• The rights of civilians to observe police activity; 

• When will an officer accused of retaliatory arrest be entitled to qualified immunity; 

• Whether officers may be held liable under 42 U.S.C. section 1983 for off-duty conduct; and

• Whether an officer will be entitled to qualified immunity for using a Taser against a large and athletic man who has previously been non-compliant.