Brady v. Tamburini

  • Filed: 10/11/2017
  • Status: Victory!
  • Latest Update: Oct 11, 2017
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Summary

This is a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Johnston Police Department on behalf of retired Detective James Brady, an 18-year veteran of the force. The suit argues that Johnston Police Chief Richard Tamburini violated Brady’s free speech rights by disciplining him after he spoke to the news media about a matter of public concern.

Current Status: In an important free speech decision, the Court ruled that Johnston Police violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady. In June 2021, this case was favorably settled.

Attorney(s):
Elizabeth Wiens & John Dineen

News & Commentary

Oct 11, 2017

ACLU Sues Johnston Police Department for Violating First Amendment Rights of Former Detective

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today sued the Johnston Police Department on behalf of retired Detective James Brady, an 18-year veteran of the force, for violating his First Amendment rights. In his role as union president of Local #307 of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO), Brady spoke to news media about a matter of public concern and was subsequently disciplined by the Department.  The suit filed today argues that Johnston Police Chief Richard Tamburini violated Brady’s free speech rights by suspending him without pay for two days for his comments, and that the policies under which Brady was disciplined are unconstitutionally vague.

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Feb 09, 2021

Court Rules that Johnston Police Department Violated Free Speech Rights of Former Detective

In an important free speech decision, a U.S. District Judge has ruled that Johnston Police violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady.

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Jun 03, 2021

ACLU Favorably Settles Free Speech Lawsuit Against Johnston Police Department

The Johnston PD violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady when he was disciplined for speaking to a Providence Journal reporter on a matter of public concern.

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Learn More About the Issues in This Case

First Amendment Criminal Justice Workers’ Rights Government Transparency View All Issues

Related News & Podcasts

News & Commentary
Oct 11, 2017
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  • First Amendment|
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ACLU Sues Johnston Police Department for Violating First Amendment Rights of Former Detective

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today sued the Johnston Police Department on behalf of retired Detective James Brady, an 18-year veteran of the force, for violating his First Amendment rights. In his role as union president of Local #307 of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO), Brady spoke to news media about a matter of public concern and was subsequently disciplined by the Department.  The suit filed today argues that Johnston Police Chief Richard Tamburini violated Brady’s free speech rights by suspending him without pay for two days for his comments, and that the policies under which Brady was disciplined are unconstitutionally vague.
News & Commentary
Feb 09, 2021
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  • First Amendment

Court Rules that Johnston Police Department Violated Free Speech Rights of Former Detective

In an important free speech decision, a U.S. District Judge has ruled that Johnston Police violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady.
News & Commentary
Jun 03, 2021
Placeholder image
  • First Amendment|
  • +3 Issues

ACLU Favorably Settles Free Speech Lawsuit Against Johnston Police Department

The Johnston PD violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady when he was disciplined for speaking to a Providence Journal reporter on a matter of public concern.