New Michigan Bill would Give Officers Civil Immunity in Self-Defense Cases
House Bill 4404 would create a presumption of civil immunity for individuals who are cleared criminally after using force in self-defense, shifting the burden of proof onto plaintiffs.
A new bill proposed by a state representative would provide civil immunity to Michigan police officers who use deadly force when acting in self-defense.
State Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, said the bill, which will be introduced Tuesday, April 29, would make Michigan’s self-defense laws among the strongest in the nation, shielding officers from civil lawsuits even in cases where they kill someone while defending themselves or others, MLive reports.
House Bill 4404 would create a presumption of civil immunity for individuals who are cleared criminally after using force in self-defense, shifting the burden of proof onto plaintiffs.
The bill is being introduced as a high-profile murder trial is taking place for a former Grand Rapids police officer. DeSana held a press conference to announce plans for the bill on Monday, April 28, outside the Kent County Court House, where former officer Christopher Schurr is on trial.
Schurr is charged with second-degree murder for an on-duty altercation that ended with the death of Patrick Lyoya in April 2022.
The two fought over control of Schurr’s Taser before the officer fatally shot Lyoya.
“Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder, even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow,” DeSana argued Monday, citing the Catechism. “Preserving the common good requires rendering the unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm. I’m here today to tell you that these exact circumstances existed for Officer Christopher Schurr.”
https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2025/04/bill-would-grant-michigan-police-officers-civil-immunity-in-self-defense-cases.html
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