U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

ALTERNATIVE TO THE EXCLUSIONARY RULE FOR FOURTH AMENDMENT VIOLATIONS

NCJ Number
15051
Journal
Judicature Volume: 59 Issue: 2 Dated: (AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1974) Pages: 74-80
Author(s)
H R LEVIN
Date Published
1974
Length
7 pages
Annotation
AN ALTERNATIVE REMEDY TO THE EXCLUSIONARY RULE WOULD BE THE JOINT LIABILITY PLAN WHICH HOLDS THE GOVERNMENT LIABLE FOR UNINTENTIONAL PRIVACY VIOLATIONS AND WHICH HOLDS THE OFFICER LIABLE FOR INTENTIONAL VIOLATIONS.
Abstract
THIS PLAN HOLDS THE OFFICER LIABLE IF THE VIOLATION WAS COMMITTED IN AN INTENTIONAL, RECKLESS OR GROSSLY NEGLIGENT MANNER. THIS PLAN PROVIDES FOR AN INCREASED PENALTY FOR THE OFFICER WITH EVERY SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION. THE GOVERNMENT IS HELD JOINTLY LIABLE IN THOSE VIOLATIONS RESULTING FROM INTENTIONAL, RECKLESS AND GROSSLY NEGLIGENT ACTS OF ITS OFFICERS BECAUSE THIS WOULD INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN AWARD AND FURTHER DIGNIFY CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES OF PRIVACY. ALTHOUGH THE PLAN DOES NOT PROHIBIT AN OFFICER FROM PURCHASING LIABILITY INSURANCE, IT DOES SPECIFY THAT THE OFFICER WHO DOES SO MUST PAY THE ENTIRE PREMIUM HIMSELF. FURTHERMORE, NO INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, UNION, ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE OF A GOVERNMENT OFFICER SHALL INDEMNIFY THE OFFICER, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AGAINST A JUDGEMENT RESULTING IN LIABILITY UNDER THIS PLAN.