“What are the most exciting or interesting developments in municipal law?”

“Following the Ferguson shooting, one issue that has not garnered a lot of attention is the detrimental impact on recruitment and retention of police officers. This is quickly becoming a serious issue with long-term practical and legal repercussions.”   

Sun S. Choy, Partner, Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP. CLM Member since 2010. 

 “Trial by social media is one of the more interesting developments in municipal law, especially in police misconduct cases. Defense practitioners must be prepared to defend these types of cases not only in court, but also in the media.”

William B. Oberts, Director, Tribler Orpett & Meyer P.C. CLM Member since 2009.

 “I am keeping a close watch on the developments in excessive force law—especially as it concerns ‘flashbang’ usage—because the circuit and state appellate courts are split on this issue. With the administration change and a Supreme Court justice about to be appointed, this is a very hot issue.”

Wayne Melnick, Partner, Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP. CLM Fellow since 2013.

 “The interest in ensuring public websites, including those for towns and schools especially, are ADA compliant and accessible by disabled members of the community. We are seeing more suits related to websites that are not fully accessible.” 

Stephen Dzury, Senior Vice President, Claims, Berkley Public Entity Managers. CLM Fellow since 2008.

 90%

Percent decline in new applications for some city police departments, like Seattle and Leesburg, Va.   

Source: ABC News

$75,000

Maximum civil penalty for first violation of the ADA. Subsequent violations will cost a maximum of $150,000

Source: ADA

#1

Ranking of “live video” on the list of trends in social media to watch in 2017.

Source: Inc.

170 

Decibel range for flash-bang grenades. Hearing loss begins at 85 decibels.  

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

54%

Percent of those living with a disability that use the internet or email. 

Source: Pew Research Center