Bratt v. Smith

This is an action to recover damages against two police officers of the city of Portland for an alleged false arrest and imprisonment of the plaintiff. Plaintiff in substance alleges that the defendant police officers, in arresting him for a “disorderly act” by then and there “being in an intoxicated condition and fighting with arresting officers”, acted maliciously and without probable cause. The cause was submitted to a jury and a general verdict returned in favor of plaintiff for $35, special damages; $1000, general damages; and $2500, punitive damages. The jury, in response to special…