Whether a finding of 'objectively unreasonable excessive force' can be squared with a finding of qualified immunity

QUESTIONS PRESENTED This case involves the use of excessive force by a police officer that was determined by a jury to be “objectively unreasonable” but nonetheless resulted in a finding that the officer was entitled to qualified immunity. The questions presented are whether a finding of “objectively unreasonable excessive force” can be squared with a finding of qualified immunity under the facts and circumstances of this case, including whether determinations of the trial court, as affirmed by the Fifth Circuit, resulted in an incorrect analysis of the qualified immunity issue, and whether the Fifth Circuit’s determination can be reconciled with other courts. ii PARTIES AND AFFILIATES BRENDA MASON, Individually and on behalf of Quamaine Dwayne Mason: BILLY C. MASON, Individually and on behalf of Quamaine Dwayne Mason, LAFAYETTE CITY-PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT; JAMES P. CRAFT, In His Official Capacity as Chief of Police: MARTIN FAUL, Individually and in His Official Capacity, * Mason, et al v. Lafayette, et al, No. 14-30021, U.S. Court Of Appeals For . The Fifth Circuit. Judgment entered Nov. 10, 2015. ¢ Mason, et al, v. Faul, et al, No. 18°30362, U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Fifth Circuit. Judgment entered July 17, 2019. ¢ Brenda Mason, et al, v. Martin Faul, et al, No. 12-2939, U.S. District Court Western District Of Louisiana. Judgment entered March 16, 2018. ¢ Brenda Mason, et al, v. Martin Faul, No. 12-2989, U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana. Judgment entered March 8, 2014. ¢ Brenda Mason, et al, v. Martin Faul, No. 6:12-CV-2939, U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana. Judgment entered May 2, 2017. ¢ Brenda Mason, et al, v. Martin Faul, No. 12-2989, U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana. Judgment entered June 15, 2017. . © Brenda Mason, et al, v. Martin Faul, 6:12-CV-2939, U.S. District Court ’ Western District of Louisiana. Judgment entered March 31, 2017. ¢ Mason, et al v. Lafayette, et al, No. 18-30362, United States Court Of Appeals For The Fifth Circuit. Judgment entered July 17, 2019.