Facts

On Aug. 31, 2005, Robert Duncan, Janet Duncan, and their son, Christopher Duncan, age 17, were driving back to their Elk Grove home when they saw defendant Steven Lee, an employee of defendant Sacramento County District Attorney's Office Board of Investigations. The Duncans gave chase in their vehicle and were pursued by Lee and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The Duncans were eventually stopped after exiting the freeway and ordered out of their vehicle. The CHP were mistakenly informed that a suspect was in the Duncans' vehicle but Lee was merely there to serve Christopher Duncan a subpoena, as he was a witness to an assault. Lee arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and the Duncans were released after the situation was explained to CHP.

The Duncans filed suit for civil rights violations.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
The Duncans contended that their civil rights were violated by the chase as they were not sure who Lee was as he did not identify himself.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
The defendants contended that Lee was lawfully serving a subpoena and that due to an honest misunderstanding by dispatch, CHP was mistakenly told that the Duncans' vehicle contained a suspect instead of a witness.

Injuries

The Duncans suffered injuries including emotional distress.

Result

The jury found for the defendants.

Deliberation

2.5 hours

Poll

8-0

Length

three days