Filed Date: May 4, 1998
Closed Date: 1999
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On May 4, 1998, two women arrested on separate alcohol-related charges filed a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. §1983 in U.S. District Court for the North District of Alabama challenging the strip search policy of the Shelby County Jail. The policy was to strip search all arrestees who were to be placed into general population, regardless of whether there was any suspicion of concealing contraband. One of the plaintiffs also alleged that she was subjected to excessive force by jail guards.
On April 14, 1999, the District Court (Judge Inge P. Johnson) granted summary judgment to the defendants on plaintiffs' claims that they were each subjected to an unconstitutional strip search. Judge Johnson denied defendants' motion as to the excessive force claim, finding that there were factual issues for the jury to resolve. Shortly after the Court's ruling, the parties settled the case and filed a stipulation for dismissal with prejudice. The settlement terms are unknown.
Summary Authors
Dan Dalton (8/8/2007)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5261362/parties/mumpower-v-shelby-county/
Bennitt, Jeffrey William (Alabama)
Bufford-Bennitt, Robyn G. (Alabama)
Compton, L. Hunter Jr. (Alabama)
Dodson, John W (Alabama)
Ellis, Frank C. Jr. (Alabama)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5261362/mumpower-v-shelby-county/
Last updated April 19, 2025, 8:26 a.m.
State / Territory: Alabama
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: May 4, 1998
Closing Date: 1999
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Two women arrested on alcohol-related charges alleged that strip-searched conducted by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department were unconstitutional. One also filed charges arising from a complaint of excessive force.
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Shelby County (Shelby), County
Facility Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Constitutional Clause(s):
Unreasonable search and seizure
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Mixed
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Issues
General/Misc.:
Affected Sex/Gender(s):
Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions: