Libertarian Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, a former Republican, has an idea to bridge the gap between the parties… and end the riots that have consumed many cities across the country.
In a “Dear Colleague” letter to other Members of Congress, Amash asked for their support on his Ending Qualified Immunity Act.
The bill, put forth by Amash on Monday, would “eliminate qualified immunity and restore Americans’ ability to obtain relief when police officers violate their constitutionally secured rights,” Amash explained in his letter.
Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine, enshrined in federal law, that prevents government officials from being sued over things committed in their official capacity
It’s a privilege not enjoyed by the public sector. An American family can sue a surgeon for medical malpractice over the death of a relative, for example, but couldn’t sue a cop.
According to Amash, this has “sharply narrowed the situations in which police can be held liable–even for heinous rights violations.”
“The brutal killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis is merely the latest in a long line of incidents of egregious police misconduct,” Amash added. “The pattern continues because police are legally, politically, and culturally insulated from consequences for violating the right of the people whom they have sworn to serve.”