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District of Columbia to Pay $150,000 for Violation of Minor's Rights
On April 17, 2002, Washington, D.C. attorney Nina Kraut filed suit against the District of Columbia (D.C.) and others alleging Constitutional and Civil Rights violations. The action was brought by Angela Harvin on behalf of her 14-year-o1d son, Joseph Bennett, in connection with a May 2001 school field trip the boy and his classmates went on to a D.C. jail.
Upon their arrival at the facility, the boys were subjected to a strip search by jail staff in violation of their Constitutional Rights. When Bennett refused to comply with orders to remove his underwear, he was forcibly stripped naked and coerced and intimidated into compliance with the humiliating procedure.
The suit requested compensatory and punitive damages totaling $15 million against the District, jail officials and the school principal who condoned the outrage. In response to an Offer of Judgment from the Defendants, a hearing was held on April 25, 2003, during which the Court approved the proposed settlement of $150,000, including attorney's fees and costs.
See: Harvin v. D.C., et al., U.S.D.C., D.C., #02-729 (JGP)ECF.
Upon their arrival at the facility, the boys were subjected to a strip search by jail staff in violation of their Constitutional Rights. When Bennett refused to comply with orders to remove his underwear, he was forcibly stripped naked and coerced and intimidated into compliance with the humiliating procedure.
The suit requested compensatory and punitive damages totaling $15 million against the District, jail officials and the school principal who condoned the outrage. In response to an Offer of Judgment from the Defendants, a hearing was held on April 25, 2003, during which the Court approved the proposed settlement of $150,000, including attorney's fees and costs.
See: Harvin v. D.C., et al., U.S.D.C., D.C., #02-729 (JGP)ECF.
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Related legal case
Harvin v. D.C.
| Year | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Cite | U.S.D.C., D.C., #02-729 (JGP)ECF |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | 150,000.00 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |