Alan S. Jones v. Sheriff of Broward County, Florida

Outcome: Over $1.2 million dollars awarded to 220 persons

Description: The federal court determined that the local Sheriff violated the constitutional and civil rights of 220 acquitted criminal defendants by incarcerating them after they fwere ound not guilty in jury trials (post-acquittal detention). The Sheriff was ordered to pay over $1.2 million dollars in damages to those 220 persons. Attorney's fees were awarded in addition to the monies paid to each member of the class. The federal court also ruled the practice of continuing to jail acquitted defefendants was illegal and enjoined the Sheriff from ever doing the same again.