Univ. of Incarnate Word claims it is immune to wrongful death lawsuit of Cameron Redus
SAN ANTONIO -- In what could be a groundbreaking case, the University of the Incarnate Word on Wednesday sought to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit by arguing that while the university is a private school, it is shielded by state law that protects public entities.
The suit was brought by the family of Cameron Redus, a 23-year-old student who was fatally shot by a campus police officer on Dec. 6, 2013.
UIW argued Wednesday before the 4th Court of Appeals that the private school’s police department is a governmental unit subject to immunity and that the university thus was protected from the lawsuit under the Texas Tort Claims Act. The private university lost that argument in March before state District Judge Cathleen Stryker and appealed.
UIW attorney Matthew Wymer argued Wednesday before a three-judge panel of the appellate court that the state authorized UIW to commission and run a police department with state-licensed officers. He further argued that a new law, which takes effect Sept. 1 and says police departments of private universities must comply with the Texas Public Information Act, also shows lawmakers previously intended that police departments at private universities are government units.
Read more: http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/UIW-claims-it-is-immune-to-wrongful-death-lawsuit-6441313.php
Earlier threads:
Grand jury declines to indict Univ. of Incarnate Word officer in fatal shooting of Cameron Redus
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107824120
University of Incarnate Word officer in Cameron Redus shooting resigns, school confirms
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107822738
Family of slain University of Incarnate Word student win preliminary court battle (killed by police)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107822171
Additional toxicology ordered in Redus case (University of Incarnate Ward slain by police officer)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107819486
University of Incarnate Word: Student slain by campus officer was irresponsible
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107818526
Family of Cameron Redus files wrongful death lawsuit against University of Incarnate Word, officer
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107817876
Autopsy: UIW student shot in the back
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014761172
Univ. of the Incarnate Word police officer involved in fatal shooting of student in traffic stop
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107813777
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