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Hawkins v. Comparet-Cassani

33 F. Supp. 2d 1244 (1999)

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Hawkins v. Comparet-Cassani

United States District Court for the Central District of California
33 F. Supp. 2d 1244 (1999)

  • Written by Liz Nakamura, JD

Facts

Ronnie Hawkins (plaintiff) appeared before Judge Joan Comparet-Cassani (defendant) in Los Angeles Superior Court for a sentencing hearing. Because Hawkins had allegedly issued threats against the court, Hawkins was fitted with a stun-belt for the appearance. A stun-belt is designed to control individuals by delivering 50,000 volts of electricity upon activation. During the hearing, Hawkins behaved in a disorderly manner, and Comparet-Cassani ordered the courtroom deputy to activate Hawkins’s stun-belt. Hawkins sued Comparet-Cassani in federal court, arguing that the activation of the stun-belt constituted torture in violation of jus cogens international norms. Comparet-Cassani moved to dismiss, arguing that Hawkins had failed to state a claim for which relief could be granted.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Pregerson, J.)

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