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Wilson v. Spain

209 F.3d 713 (2000)

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Wilson v. Spain

United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
209 F.3d 713 (2000)

Facts

Officer David Spain (defendant) arrested Robert Wilson (plaintiff) for public intoxication. Another officer transported Wilson to jail. During booking, Wilson was uncooperative and hostile with both officers. Instead of discharging Wilson to his brother, the officers decided to keep Wilson in custody. Officer Spain attempted to frisk Wilson, and Wilson resisted. Officer Spain then placed Wilson in a holding cell. Wilson began pounding on the cell door. As a result, Officer Spain unlocked and pushed the door open, hitting Wilson and knocking him unconscious. Wilson brought suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, claiming that Officer Spain had used excessive force and violated his constitutional rights. The district court granted summary judgment for Officer Spain, and Wilson appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Bowman, J.)

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