California appeals court overturns a law that made it a criminal offense to falsely accuse a peace officer of misconduct. Peo. v. Stanistreet, #B143501, 93 Cal. App. 4th 469, 2001 Cal. App. Lexis 855, 113 Cal.Rptr.2d 529 (2nd Dist. 2001). [2002 FP Jan] Note: On Jan. 23, 2002 the California Supreme Court ordered the appellate court decision to be depublished and will hear a final appeal later in 2002. Peo. v. Stanistreet, #S102722, 2002 Cal. Lexis 271.
     Federal appeals court rejects a suit by a citizen seeking to overturn a California statute giving a law enforcement officer the right to sue citizens for making false complaints against them. Gritchen v. Collier, #99-56940, 2001 U.S. App. Lexis 12869 (9th Cir. 2001) reversing 73 F.Supp.2d 1148,, 1999 U.S. Dist. Lexis 16579. (C.D. Cal. 1999). [2000 FP 51]
     A statute making it a misdemeanor to file false misconduct claims against police officers violates the First Amendment. Hamilton v. City of San Bernardino, 107 F.Supp.2d 1239. {N/R}
    See also: Defamation.