[Michael.SF.]

Based upon what limited information is in the article... I have a hard time finding fault with the officers actions

What do you want, the transcripts of the trial?

Seriously, both sides made their cases to the jury and the jury found the police liable. I will trust the jury on the decision against the police.

What seems to be in dispute is what is to be fair compensation, yet you are suggesting the jury was wrong in finding him guilty? At first I thought 18 million was high, but consider that this cost this guy his job, time in jail, his reputation, his chances of future employment and has dragged on for what, maybe three or four years?

[taxcontrol]

What I want is a civil litigation system base upon reasonable action. First, I do find the amount excessive and second, there should not be a finding unless there is FAULT.

If the officer followed established procedure and the case was prosecuted as a normal case (hard to tell from the article), then compensation should be limited actual damages (loss of salary, salary for like years in the future, lawyer fees, loss of residence, etc.)

If the officer did not follow established procedure, then in addition to the compensation above, additional penalties should be applied up to a maximum fact of x3 as per standard civil fault penalties. I do have a hard time with the underlying assumption that there is a base of $6 Million for actual damages.