This CLE course provides a comprehensive examination of the legal and practical issues that arise in litigating federal claims against law enforcement officers involving allegations of excessive force and related misconduct. The course will explore the constitutional foundations of these actions, the range of potential claims that may be asserted, and the defenses most commonly raised—including qualified immunity and other threshold barriers to liability.

In addition, the program will offer strategic, practice-oriented guidance for both plaintiff and defense counsel, addressing key stages of litigation such as case evaluation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation. Attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of how these cases are developed, challenged, and resolved, along with actionable insights to effectively navigate this complex and evolving area of law.