Michael Brown's Family Files Wrongful-Death Lawsuit

The parents of Michael Brown, the 18-year-old who was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer in August, are suing the city of Ferguson, Mo., for wrongful death, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .

The suit names as defendants the city of Ferguson, former Police Chief Thomas Jackson, and former police officer Darren Wilson.

In part, the suit contends that Ferguson police officers have a "pattern and practice of using unreasonable and excessive force" against black people. They "often escalate encounters" with blacks when the officers perceive a black person is disobeying orders, the suit contends.

The suit does not seek a specific dollar amount. It seeks punitive damages and compensatory damages, including medical treatment for psychological damages. The suit also wants the circuit court to order the police in Ferguson to stop using patrol techniques that the suite says demean black residents.

The suit also asks the court to appoint a compliance monitor over use-of-force practices in Ferguson for five years or until the city can effectively train its officer on the use of force.