City of Los Angeles v. Lyons
United States Supreme Court
461 U.S. 95 (1983)
- Written by Josh Lee, JD
Facts
Adolph Lyons (plaintiff) was stopped by a police officer employed by the City of Los Angeles (defendant) for a traffic or vehicle-code violation. Lyons did not resist or threaten the officer, but the officer placed him in a chokehold. The officer’s chokehold rendered Lyons unconscious and caused damage to his throat. Lyons sued the city for damages and also sought an injunction against the city continuing the practice of chokeholds. Lyons alleged that chokeholds were often performed by the city’s police officers, even in cases without any threat to safety, and that the chokeholds were likely to cause serious injuries. Lyons alleged that he feared future encounters with police officers because of the possibility of being placed in a chokehold. The trial court dismissed the claim for an injunction because it determined that Lyons had not shown that he would be subject to a chokehold in the future. Lyons appealed, and the appellate court reversed. The city then petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (White, J.)
Dissent (Marshall, J.)
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