When Did Torres v Madrid Happen?
In this article, we will explore the details of the landmark case Torres v Madrid and understand when it took place. This case holds significant importance in shaping legal perspectives and has far-reaching implications in the field of law enforcement and civil rights.
The Background
Torres v Madrid is a pivotal case that originated in the United States. It revolves around an incident that occurred on July 15, 2011, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The two plaintiffs, Roxanne Torres and Doreen Bishop, filed a lawsuit against several police officers from the city of Albuquerque.
The Incident
On that fateful day, Roxanne Torres and Doreen Bishop were mistaken for armed robbery suspects by a team of police officers. The officers approached their vehicle in a parking lot and opened fire without any warning or opportunity for the plaintiffs to respond. Both women sustained injuries from multiple gunshots but managed to escape the scene.
The Legal Battle
Following the incident, Torres and Bishop filed a lawsuit against the police officers involved, alleging excessive use of force and violation of their Fourth Amendment rights. Their argument was centered around whether they were “seized” under the Fourth Amendment when they were shot by the officers without being physically restrained or apprehended.
The Court’s Decision
After years of legal proceedings, this case reached the Supreme Court. In February 2021, the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on Torres v Madrid.
In a unanimous decision, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that “a suspect’s continued flight from police after being ordered to stop does not necessarily constitute submission to authority.” The Court concluded that since Torres and Bishop did not submit to physical control or custody by the officers, they were not “seized” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment.
Implications and Significance
The Torres v Madrid case has profound implications for law enforcement practices and civil rights. The Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies that a person must be physically restrained or detained to be considered “seized” under the Fourth Amendment. This decision sets an important precedent, ensuring that individuals cannot be subjected to excessive force without any form of physical control or custody.
In Conclusion
Torres v Madrid is a significant case in modern legal history. It highlights the crucial distinction between being seized under the Fourth Amendment and fleeing from law enforcement. By establishing this distinction, the Supreme Court has provided invaluable guidance to future cases involving excessive use of force and civil rights violations.