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Supreme Court Grants Immunity to Officer in Protest Case

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 23, 2026, the Supreme Court granted qualified immunity to Vermont state police sergeant Jacob Zorn in the lawsuit filed by protester Shela Linton, reversing a lower court decision.
The ruling found that existing precedent did not clearly establish that Zorn's wristlock violated the Constitution during Linton's removal.
Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued the decision permits excessive force against nonviolent protesters and undermines the Fourth Amendment.

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Story summary

On March 23, 2026, the Supreme Court granted qualified immunity to Vermont state police sergeant Jacob Zorn in the lawsuit filed by protester Shela Linton, reversing a lower court decision.
The ruling found that existing precedent did not clearly establish that Zorn's wristlock violated the Constitution during Linton's removal.
Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued the decision permits excessive force against nonviolent protesters and undermines the Fourth Amendment.