Dear John,
Its consequences have been described as “shoot first and think later” by a sitting Supreme Court Justice. The legal doctrine called “qualified immunity” protects government officials—including police officers—from facing consequences when they violate our constitutional rights.1
As a result, qualified immunity prevents victims of police brutality from seeking their day in court. Sign this petition to end qualified immunity.
The stakes are literally life and death. Police officers remain unchecked and will continue to wield their power against other people as long as they’re seen as above the law.
Here’s how you can help. Ben and Jerry (yes, that Ben and Jerry) have started this petition and concerned signers from across the country are joining together to urge Congress to act.
We need to hold police officers accountable when they do wrong, just like anyone in any other profession. Congress needs to end qualified immunity. Will you sign our petition demanding Congress do just that?
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor herself said qualified immunity "tells officers that they can shoot first and think later."2 In any other job, individuals who cause harm are held accountable for their actions. Police cannot continue to be an exception, especially at the expense of Black lives.
Those who claim to "enforce" the law should never be immune to it. Sign here if you agree.
Sign Now
Thanks for all you do.
–MoveOn
Sources:
1. "Qualified Immunity," Equal Justice Initiative, Accessed March 1, 2023 https://eji.org/issues/qualified-immunity/
2. "Supreme Court Rules for Police Officer in Excessive Force Case," The New York Times, April 2, 2018 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/02/us/politics/supreme-court-rules-for-police-officer-in-excessive-force-case.html
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG CIVIC ACTION
