Very interesting trial that went on in Minneapolis Federal court last week. As the Minneapolis Tribune reported on Tuesday the 14th :
A jury has awarded a total of $3.25 million to the family of a man shot and killed by St. Paul police officers more than seven years ago during a drug-induced mental health crisis.
The trial was interesting because of the power of the decision maker is totally on display. It was the second trial for the bereaved family. In the first trial in 2023 a jury found the case facts worthy of $11.5 million. The judge reduced the amount to a suggested cap of $2,5 million. The second jury this week found damages of $3.25 million.
The first judge did his order under a motion for remittiture This is when the court changes the decision after a jury trial. The affected party can either accept the change or start a new trial over. Although, in the second trial liability or fault was deemed decided and the trial was reduced to one only about damages.
Both parties are excepted to appeal. Although seems like it would be a good time to settle. We will be watching.
