Jury says rancher didn't violate migrants' rights

Associated press ^ | 02/17/2009 | Arthur H, Rotstein

[San Jacinto]

TUCSON, Ariz. — A jury in Tucson has found that a southern Arizona rancher didn't violate the civil rights of a group of illegal immigrants who claimed he detained them at gunpoint in 2004. The federal jury also found Roger Barnett wasn't liable on claims of battery and false imprisonment. But the jury did find him liable Tuesday on four claims of assault and four claims of infliction of emotional distress. The jurors ordered Barnett to pay nearly $78,000 in damages. The bulk of that is punitive.

[rocksblues]

Yep, it’s a start...

??????????? Having to pay $78,000 to keep people off of your property?

[San Jacinto]

I’ve looked for info on the jury make-up. No luck yet.

[bluegirl]

He should have counter-sued them for emotional distress caused by their trespass.

[Nervous Tick]

Sadly, there’s a lesson here. Just as with endangered species...

“Shoot, shovel, and shut up.”

[oneamericanvoice]

I appeal that $78,000 judgement, AND sue the illegals for destruction of property and emotional distress.

[AngryJawa]

“Shoot, shovel, and shut up.”

A $78,000.00 judgement precident is pretty strong motivator for other folks to do just that in the future.

Unintended consequences, people.

[mylife]

In your FACE La Raza!

[oneamericanvoice]

Hey, the exonerated him on the other charges.

[Right Cal Gal]

Trespass, killing of livestock, vandalism, breaking and entering (his home).

It’s like the S.F. jury that awarded a purse snatcher $25,000 or some such for using his cab to pin the creep till the police got there. People in the Bay Area ponied up $5 a piece and paid the judgment.

Maybe we can get one of our talk show host guys to start a “fund” for this guy and we can chip in and pay off the judgment. Don’t worry, though, you KNOW these illegals and their MALDEF lawyers will appeal.

[wolfcreek]

If he can afford these judgments, he ought to hire his own defense force. In Texas, trespassers walk into the light.

[ladyvet]

I thought the same thing.

[South40]

Jorge Bush must be deeply sadden.

[refermech]

If he can’t pay, I say we start a collection for him right here on Freerepublic. I’ll donate the first 100 bucks.

[Vaquero]

but...but...but, how could this be a fair trial...were there any illegal aliens on the Jury?

and where was La Raza???

[HiJinx]

If he can afford these judgments,

Do you think he can? And if so, why?

[HiJinx]

There is a fund set up, check back on Barnett threads from Sunday and Monday to find the address...

[ExSoldier]

So now a burglar or robber can sue the victim.

Not in Florida!

[norton]

Did anyone explain how they drew the difference between “detain for the authorities” and “wrongfully imprison”?

[wolfcreek]

I believe he has a 17000 acre ranch. Yes I think he can. (don't know for sure)Regardless, I'd get a private force to engage the illegals and drug runners.

It's ridiculous what he's had to go through over the years with (I'm assuming) ZERO support from his government.

[dixiedarlindownsouth]

I want to start suing all of the illegals currently infecting our country for emotional distress. I am distraught at having to pay for their medical bills and food stamps. They will keep doing this as long as we let them use our Constitution against us. I have a problem with affording someone who crawled in under the fence this "right."