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A proposed civil rights law moving through the New Mexico Legislature sounds, on the surface, like a fine idea. After all, why should people whose constitutional rights are infringed upon by government not be allowed to pursue their claims in court? Why shouldn’t “rogue” police officers be held to account for their actions?
Put aside for a moment that these constitutional civil claims can be pursued now in federal court. And they often are successful, with significant compensation to plaintiffs. And as part of that process, agencies that employ police officers and other public employees are, in fact, often held accountable.