Slawik v. State

HORSEY, Justice:

This appeal concerns an attorney’s fee award under the Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Awards Act of 1976 (the “Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 1988. Appellant challenges the adequacy of the fee award and appellee-State cross appeals contesting the grant of any award under § 1988.

Melvin A. Slawik, plaintiff-appellant, while holding the elected office of County Executive for New Castle County, was convicted in March, 1976 in the United States District Court of Delaware of making false declarations before a Federal Grand Jury in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1623. Two days later and prior to…