9th Circuit Says Police Officer Can Be Sued for Tasing

In what appears to be a case of first impression nationwide, the 9th Circuit has ruled that the use of tasers and similar devices must be justified by a strong government interest that "compels" the employment of such force. The ruling found that Coronado, Calif., Police Officer Brian McPherson may have used too much force to subdue Carl Bryan and can be sued for damages. McPherson tasered Bryan when he was pulled over for a seat belt infraction and got out of his car crying and yelling gibberish.