Steven Lefemine v. Dan Wideman

Reversed and remanded by published opinion. Judge WYNN wrote the opinion, in which Judge DUNCAN and Judge DIAZ joined.

WYNN, Circuit Judge:

Plaintiffs who prevail in suits to vindicate civil rights are entitled to attorneys’ fees unless special circumstances make a fee award unjust.

Here, Plaintiff Steven C. Lefemine, leader of the Columbia Christians for Life, successfully sued various Greenwood County Sheriffs Office officials for First Amendment violations. But the district court deemed “(1) the Defendants’ qualified immunity, (2) the absence of a policy or custom of discrimination against…