True or False: An officer can be held liable in both criminal and civil court for excessive use of force.

An officer can indeed be held liable in both criminal and civil court for excessive use of force, making the statement true.

In criminal court, an officer may face charges such as assault or battery if their actions are found to be unlawful and violate criminal statutes. For instance, if an officer uses force that is excessive and unreasonable under the circumstances, they can be prosecuted and faced with potential penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

In civil court, victims of excessive force can file lawsuits against the officer and potentially their department for damages. This civil liability arises under various laws, including federal civil rights statutes, such as 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which allows individuals to sue for violations of their constitutional rights. This is separate from criminal liability and is focused on compensating the victim for harm suffered due to the officer's actions.

Because both systems operate independently, an officer can face consequences in both realms for the same conduct, reinforcing accountability for the use of force in law enforcement.