Larry Donnell George v. City of Long Beach Robert Fowks Harry Kartinen

Larry George (“George”) appeals an adverse judgment following a jury verdict of zero damages against the arresting officers and the City of Long Beach. George contends the district court’s ruling that the officers’ warrantless entry violated his Fourth Amendment rights entitles him to nominal damages. He also contends the district court improperly dismissed his state law claims as well as his section 1983 claims against the City of Long Beach. We reverse the district court’s dismissal of the state law claims, vacate the judgment, and remand for: (1) entry of judgment for George, (2) entry of an award of $1 in nominal damages on his section 1983 claim, and (3) trial on the state law false imprisonment claim.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

Appellant Larry George participated in at least three armed bank robberies, two of which occurred on the afternoon of the day of his arrest. He was convicted of all three robberies and his convictions were upheld by this court. This civil rights action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 resulted from the manner in which the arrest was effected. The facts surrounding George’s arrest are set out in detail in George I. It is sufficient to say here that Long Beach…