Leatherman v. Tarrant County Narcotics Intelligence and Coordination Unit
United States Supreme Court
507 U.S. 163 (1993)
- Written by Alexis Tsotakos, JD
Facts
Charlene Leatherman (plaintiff) brought suit against Tarrant County Narcotics Intelligence and Coordination Unit (Tarrant County) (defendant), alleging violations of her civil rights during the execution of a search warrant in her home, in violation of § 1983 and the Fourth Amendment. Leatherman alleged that the officers’ conduct, which included shooting and killing Leatherman’s two dogs, was evidence that the officers were improperly trained, thus incurring municipal liability. The United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas dismissed her complaint, finding that the pleading did not meet the heightened standard required by Fifth Circuit case law. The Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed, and the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Rehnquist, C.J.)
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