Police liability claims are on the rise. Do you have the knowledge to handle this type of case from start to finish? Are you up to date with the ins and outs of state and federal law involving civil actions against police departments and officers? Learn how to overcome any obstacle you may encounter with a police liability claim – order today!

1. Overview of State Law Involving Civil Actions Against Police Departments and Officers
2. Overview of Federal Law
3. Ethics
4. Understanding the Police Investigation and Disciplinary Process
5. Filing of a Civil Action
6. Defending a Police Liability Claim

1. Overview of State Law Involving Civil Actions Against Police Departments and Officers
   9:00 - 10:00, David L. Morrison
   1. Forms of Immunity
   2. Criminal Procedure Rules Regarding Arrest, and Search and Seizure
   3. State Laws or Attorney General Opinions Regarding Use of Force
   4. Current Case Law
2. Overview of Federal Law
   10:15 - 11:15, J. Christopher Mills
   1. Liability Under §1983
   2. History
   3. Elements
   4. Defenses
   5. Current Case Law
3. Ethics
   11:15 - 12:15, J. Christopher Mills
   1. Is it Ethical for Government Attorney to Represent More Than One Cop Defendant in a 1983 Case or a Cop and the Government Entity?
   Ethical Considerations When Dealing With the Media
   3. The Attorney-Client Fee Agreement Where There is a Potential Award of Attorneys Fees Under 42 USC 1988
   4. Rule 68 Offers
   5. The Criminal/Civil Representation is the Most Significant Conflict I Face
4. Understanding the Police Investigation and Disciplinary Process
   1:15 - 2:15, Matthew B. Rosbrugh
   1. What Documents are Available for Discovery?
   2. Is a Civilian Entitled to Any Information During an On-Going Investigation?
   3. The Internal Affairs Process
   4. Subsequent Investigation by Attorney General or Other Governmental Agency
   5. Procedural Protections Due to Law Enforcement Officers
5. Filing of a Civil Action
   2:30 - 3:30, J. Christopher Mills
   1. Jurisdictions (Federal vs. State)
   2. Sovereign Immunity
   3. Discovery (Interrogatories, Request for Production of Documents, Request for Admissions)
   4. Understanding What Documents are "Out There"
   5. Breaking Through the "Blue Wall"
   6. Methods for Deposing Police Officers
   7. Development of Case
   8. Finding the Right Expert
6. Defending a Police Liability Claim
   3:30 - 4:30, David L. Morrison and Matthew B. Rosbrugh
   1. Initial Handling
   2. Affirmative Defenses
   3. Immunity (Statutory and Common Law)
   4. Discovery
   5. Motion for Summary Judgment
   6. Trial and Settlement
   7. Appeals

J. CHRISTOPHER MILLS focuses almost exclusively on plaintiff's civil rights litigation and criminal defense. He practices law at the trial and appellate levels of both state and federal court. Mr. Mills regularly lectures on criminal defense and civil rights issues for the South Carolina Bar, National Business Institute and other seminar sponsors. He is admitted to practice in all South Carolina courts, the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Mills is a member of the National Police Accountability Project and is a sustaining member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He earned his B.A. degree from the College of Charleston and his J.D. degree from the University of South Carolina.

DAVID L. MORRISON is the principal in the Morrison Law Firm in Columbia, South Carolina. He obtained his law degree and his master's degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina, and his undergraduate degree from Wofford College. Mr. Morrison holds certification from the state of South Carolina as a civil dispute mediator. His law practice is concentrated primarily on the defense of governmental agencies and entities. Mr. Morrison has been a speaker at several risk management seminars on governmental liability and at South Carolina Bar continuing legal education seminars, addressing various aspects of defense of civil cases and governmental liability.

MATTHEW B. ROSBRUGH recently formed his own solo practice, MBR Law, LLC. His practice concentrates on civil litigation, both for defendants and plaintiffs. Historically, Mr. Rosbrugh has concentrated on defending civil rights and governmental liability claims. He was a Myrtle Beach police officer, and narcotics and vice investigator from 1990 - 1997. Mr. Rosbrugh is admitted to practice in both the state and federal courts of South Carolina, and is a member of both the Richland County Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar. He earned both his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of South Carolina. During law school, Mr. Rosbrugh was a member of the Moot Court Bar and the Tulane Law School Moot Court competition team.  

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com