While the settlement may outrage you, I suspect it was simply a business decision. With 12 plaintiffs, the cost of taking the case even close to trial, let alone to trial, would far exceed the settlement cost. I know people shouldn't be rewarded for bad behavior, but it was cheaper for the city to do this than to stand on principle and have to explain the potentially staggering defense costs.
I agree with you. However, caving in to these idiots only ENCOURAGES them to do it again! Not to mention the fact that it trounces our civil rights for a second time! I believe that some things are worth fighting for. Worth more than money. shoot, if the city can afford to install a 200K LAWN on top of the city council's MULTI-STORY office building, the least they can do is support the correct actions of the police! It was the wrong decision. Katz is a blood sucking liberal and is merely rewarding her supporters.