Barros v. Town of Scituate
- Filed: 03/28/2003
- Status: Closed
- Latest Update: Mar 28, 2003
Federal lawsuit challenging two separate incidents of racial profiling in which the plaintiff was stopped, questioned and, in one instance, improperly ticketed by Scituate police. A jury ruled for the officer in 2004, and while an appeal
Feb 03, 2005
Settlement Reached in Racial Profiling Claim Against Scituate Police
The R.I. ACLU today announced the settlement of its racial profiling lawsuit against the Scituate Police Department in a case in which the ACLU alleged that Pawtucket resident Jean Philippe Barros, a person of Cape Verdean descent, was the victim of racial profiling when he was stopped, questioned and ticketed. Without acknowledging any wrongdoing, the Town has agreed to pay Barros $10,500. Last October, a federal jury cleared the police, but the ACLU appealed, challenging significant restrictions on the evidence that the judge allowed the jury to consider. As a result of the settlement, the appeal is being dismissed.
Aug 10, 2004
Court Rules that Trial Can Proceed in ACLU's Racial Profiling Suit Against Scituate Police
A federal judge has rejected efforts by the Scituate Police Department to dismiss a racial profiling lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Rhode Island on behalf of Pawtucket resident Jean Philippe Barros, a person of Cape Verdean descent. As a result, the case can proceed to trial.
Jan 31, 2003
ACLU Files Racial Profiling Lawsuit Against Scituate Police
The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a lawsuit in R.I. District Court on behalf of Jean Philippe Barros, a person of Cape Verdean descent who, the suit claims, was the victim of two incidents of racial profiling within a year by Scituate police. The suit, filed by ACLU volunteer attorney Thomas G. Briody, argues that the incidents violated Barros’ right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures and to equal protection of the laws. The suit seeks unspecified damages and an injunction against the Town to prohibit any further harassment or detention of Barros without probable cause.
Related News & Podcasts
Feb 03, 2005
Settlement Reached in Racial Profiling Claim Against Scituate Police
The R.I. ACLU today announced the settlement of its racial profiling lawsuit against the Scituate Police Department in a case in which the ACLU alleged that Pawtucket resident Jean Philippe Barros, a person of Cape Verdean descent, was the victim of racial profiling when he was stopped, questioned and ticketed. Without acknowledging any wrongdoing, the Town has agreed to pay Barros $10,500. Last October, a federal jury cleared the police, but the ACLU appealed, challenging significant restrictions on the evidence that the judge allowed the jury to consider. As a result of the settlement, the appeal is being dismissed.
Aug 10, 2004
Court Rules that Trial Can Proceed in ACLU's Racial Profiling Suit Against Scituate Police
A federal judge has rejected efforts by the Scituate Police Department to dismiss a racial profiling lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Rhode Island on behalf of Pawtucket resident Jean Philippe Barros, a person of Cape Verdean descent. As a result, the case can proceed to trial.
Jan 31, 2003
ACLU Files Racial Profiling Lawsuit Against Scituate Police
The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a lawsuit in R.I. District Court on behalf of Jean Philippe Barros, a person of Cape Verdean descent who, the suit claims, was the victim of two incidents of racial profiling within a year by Scituate police. The suit, filed by ACLU volunteer attorney Thomas G. Briody, argues that the incidents violated Barros’ right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures and to equal protection of the laws. The suit seeks unspecified damages and an injunction against the Town to prohibit any further harassment or detention of Barros without probable cause.
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