Municipal Immunity: The Basics
While municipalities are not protected by the same sovereign immunity awarded to states, there are several limitations and exceptions to municipal liability. Statutory Exemptions Connecticut General Statutes § 52-557n(b) provides immunity from civil liability to municipalities and their employees, officials, and agents acting within the scope of their employment or official duties, for damages resulting…
Should States Enact Compulsory Attendance Laws?
Several states are currently trying to enact compulsory attendance laws, which would expand the age range for mandatory schooling. Some states have enacted laws making kindergarten mandatory, while others have raised the legal drop-out age. The compulsory school age issue became a hot topic back in 2012 when President Obama urged states to raise the…
DCF Reports Involving School Employees: Is Your Job in Jeopardy?
Reports of alleged child abuse or neglect by school employees trigger special obligations for DCF, as well as for employers, both of which may have negative consequences. Definition of “School Employee” Under Connecticut law, a school employee is defined as a teacher, substitute, teacher, school administrator or superintendent, guidance counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician,…
DUI Arrests with Minor Passengers: A Must-Read for Parents
Many, if not most, parents have consumed a glass or two of wine at a family dinner outing, and then proceeded to drive their children home without thinking twice. While drinking and driving with minor passengers is not illegal per se, if you are charged with DUI while driving with a minor passenger, you may…
Juvenile Delinquency: What You Need to Know
What is a Juvenile Review Board? In Connecticut, children may face “juvenile delinquency” for violating most state or federal laws. However, not every minor that is arrested ends up in court. A juvenile delinquency case may be handled either judicially or nonjudicially, before a Juvenile Review Board (“JRB”). The goal of this diversion program is…
Lawsuit Filed Against Department of Ed
The Council for Parent Advocates and Attorneys (“CPAA”), the NAACP, and the National Federation of the Blind filed a complaint against the U.S. Department of Education in federal district court in June, claiming that the Department cannot dismiss civil rights complaints from those who repeatedly file similar actions. The Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) enforces…