Atwater v. City of Lago Vista

532 U.S. 318, 121 S.Ct. 1536, 149 L.Ed.2d 549 (2001)

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Atwater v. City of Lago Vista

United States Supreme Court
532 U.S. 318, 121 S.Ct. 1536, 149 L.Ed.2d 549 (2001)

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Facts

In March 1997, Gail Atwater (plaintiff) was pulled over for driving without a seatbelt and for failing to secure her two children in the front seat. Each violation is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of $25 to $50. Pursuant to Texas law, the officer arrested Atwater instead of issuing a citation. Atwater was booked into jail, brought before a magistrate, and released on bond. Atwater sued the officer, the police chief, and City of Lago Vista (defendants) under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claiming that the arrest was an unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Souter, J.)

Dissent (O’Connor, J.)

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