[Mississippi] City of Meridian, County of Lauderdale, and State of Mississippi: Complaint

On October 24, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint in the United States District Court, Southern District of Mississippi asserting that the City of Meridian, County of Lauderdale, and State of Mississippi are engaging in a “pattern or practice of unlawful conduct through which they routinely and systematically arrest and incarcerate children, including for minor school rule infractions, without even the most basic procedural safeguards, and in violation of these children’s constitutional rights.” The complaint further asserts that the defendants “collectively help to operate a school-to-prison pipeline whereby, following referral of students by the District, MPD, the Youth Court , and probation services (DYS), arrest, adjudicate, and incarcerate children for school infractions without exercising appropriate discretion and without regard for their obligations under the United States Constitution.” Arguing Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment violations, the complaint seeks declaratory judgment, permanent injunction prohibiting further unlawful practices by the schools, police, and the juvenile court, and equitable relief that includes expungement of youth records and support for those who have suffered constitutional violations.

Related Actions:
[Mississippi] City of Meridian, County of Lauderdale, and State of Mississippi: Investigation Findings
[Mississippi] City of Meridian, County of Lauderdale, and State of Mississippi: City Settlement Agreement
[Mississippi] City of Meridian, County of Lauderdale, and State of Mississippi: State Settlement Agreement