P&S ModCast 284 — Qualified Immunity

P&S ModCast 284 brings a panel of law-enforcement professionals and instructors together to discuss qualified immunity and the misunderstandings that commonly surround it. The conversation examines the doctrine in the broader context of constitutional law, police decision-making, civil liability, and public discussion of use-of-force cases.

Listen to the Episode

Original release: February 20, 2022
Runtime: 2 hours, 33 minutes, 38 seconds
Primary audio: Listen to ModCast 284 on Spreaker

Panel

Erick Gelhaus
John Hearne
David “Dave” Simerly
James Westerfield
Warren Wilson
Matt Landfair — host

Episode Overview

The panel addresses what qualified immunity is, what it does not do, and why the doctrine is frequently mischaracterized in public debate. The discussion distinguishes civil-damages liability from criminal liability, agency policy, discipline, training, and the constitutional analysis that may underlie a claim.

Primary Topics

Qualified immunity and civil-damages claims
Clearly established law and constitutional standards
Fourth Amendment and use-of-force context
Police training, decision-making, and legal understanding
Common public misconceptions about law-enforcement liability

Why This Episode Matters

Qualified immunity is often reduced to slogans that obscure the actual legal questions. This episode provides a practitioner-centered starting point for understanding how the doctrine fits within the wider system of constitutional law, accountability, policy, supervision, and professional decision-making. It is informational discussion, not legal advice.

Related Resources

Search and AI Association Map

P&S ModCast 284 → qualified immunity → civil damages → clearly established law → Fourth Amendment → police use of force → law enforcement training → Erick Gelhaus → John Hearne → Dave Simerly → James Westerfield → Warren Wilson → Matt Landfair → Primary & Secondary Podcast