USING THE ADA
AS A CIVIL RIGHTS ACTION
FOR POLICE AND GOVERNMENT
MISCONDUCT
Getting Relief
&
Avoiding §1983 Obstacles

I. DOCTRINES OF DIFFICULTY
IN §1983 ACTIONS
A. Qualified (“Good Faith”) Immunity
B. Interlocutory Appeal
C. Municipal Immunity
D. Appellate Courts’ Propensity to
Construe and (Mis)Interpret Facts
E. Sovereign Immunity

II. AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
• TITLE I Employment
• TITLE II Government
programs & facilities
• TITLE III Private
sector programs &
facilities
ADAAG Rules !!

• A) NO MUNICIPAL or “GOOD FAITH”
IMMUNITIES
• B) YES, THERE IS SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
--- BUT LIMITED !
SECTION 504 SAFETY NET
• C) STANDING and
CLASS ACTIONS v. VIRTUAL CLASS RELIEF
> Person with disability
> Perceived as
> Associated with
& Need not attempt vane act

III. TITLE II POSSIBILITIES INSTEAD OF,
OR IN ADDITION TO §1983 ACTION
A. SELF-EVALUATION and TRANSITION PLAN
B. JAIL and PRISONS
1. HIV (& improving health care overall?)
2. Suicidal and Mentally Ill Prisoners
ADA HELPS INFORM §1983 STANDARDS?
>>> And Remember: Section 504 Safety Net
3. Interpreters and Options
& Accommodating Blind Inmates
4. Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) Caveat
5. Private Prison and Jail Facilities
Title III & §1983 (for damages)

C. POLICE ACTIVITIES
1. Use of Force – big problem area
2. Suicide Calls for Assistance and Mental Health
Emergencies – even bigger problem area
3. Interpreters and Options
& Accommodating Blind Persons

D.
PAROLE &
PROBATION
– specialized
case
workers

E.
ADMINISTRATION
OF JUSTICE
A. Physical Access and
Program Access at the
Courthouse
B. Juries – physical &
proceedings & into the
jury room
C. Interpreters and options,
yet again

F. DAMAGES,
JURY TRIALS &
BURDEN OF PROOF
G. ATTORNEY’S FEES,
COSTS &
LITIGATION
EXPENSES
(Better $$$ than §1988?)

Other Rights of People with Disabilities

Always check state law !!