What trend is currently observed among plaintiffs in civil rights lawsuits?

The trend of suing multiple individuals connected to the act reflects a strategic approach by plaintiffs in civil rights lawsuits. This method can be beneficial for several reasons. By targeting multiple individuals, plaintiffs can increase the chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. It allows for the inclusion of various parties who may share liability or have contributed to the alleged violation of civil rights. This could include not only the officers directly involved in the incident but also supervisors, departments, or other entities that may have played a role in the circumstances surrounding the offense.

Moreover, suing multiple defendants can provide plaintiffs with more options in terms of settlements and recovery, as some parties may be more willing to negotiate a settlement than others. This approach also emphasizes accountability within law enforcement structures, holding not just individual officers but also higher-ups responsible for their actions or failures to act. It encourages a comprehensive look at systemic issues that may have contributed to the civil rights violation in question, paving the way for broader reforms.

On the other hand, options reflecting only suing the officer involved or not filing lawsuits at all suggest a more isolated approach to accountability, which does not typically align with the current trend toward seeking systemic change through comprehensive litigation. Similarly, seeking settlements outside of court is a common practice, but it does not directly