Leatherman v. Tarrant County Narcotics Intelligence and Coordination Unit
United States Supreme Court
507 U.S. 163 (1993)
Charlene Leatherman (plaintiff) sued Tarrant County Narcotics Intelligence and Coordination Unit (Tarrant County) (defendant) under section 1983 and the Fourth Amendment, alleging civil rights violations during a search warrant's execution at her home, including officers shooting and killing her two dogs, which she claimed evidenced inadequate officer training supporting municipal liability. The district court dismissed her complaint for failing to meet a heightened pleading standard the Fifth Circuit required for section 1983 municipal-liability claims, the Fifth Circuit affirmed, and the Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Whether a trial court may require a heightened pleading standard, above and beyond the requirements of Rule 8(a)(2).