James E. White v. Leon Taylor, Etc., Clell Harrell

I would not reject the jury’s verdict. Taylor’s training was Chief Harrell’s responsibility. It is undisputed that the plaintiff White was not properly processed and was jailed overnight at the instruction of Chief Harrell. He was released when a qualified officer came on duty. The Chief’s actions were intentional and illegal under Mississippi law. The jury found against Chief Harrell based on his admission that he was “wrong” in retaining Taylor on the police force because Taylor did not possess the minimum qualifications for a law enforcement officer mandated by Mississippi law.…