Los Angeles Police Protective League v. City of Los Angeles

Opinion

GRIGNON, J.

In this appeal, we consider whether a public entity is required to indemnify public employees for legal fees incurred in successfully defending themselves against criminal prosecutions arising from actions taken within the course and scope of their employment. We conclude that indemnification for such criminal defense costs is discretionary on the part of the public entity rather than mandatory. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the trial court in favor of the public entity.

Procedural Background

On January 29, 1992, plaintiffs and appellants, Police Officers Thomas…