Supreme Court Vacates Ninth Circuit Ruling on Police Use of Force

Event summary

  • The U.S. Supreme Court vacated a Ninth Circuit decision on April 21, 2026, aligning with the National Police Association's amicus brief.
  • The case involved the use of bodyweight compression, a law enforcement restraint technique, which the Ninth Circuit had challenged.
  • The Supreme Court remanded the case for reconsideration in light of Zorn v. Linton, reinforcing qualified immunity protections for officers.
  • The NPA argued that bodyweight compression is a non-deadly force option critical for safely resolving volatile encounters.

The big picture

The Supreme Court's decision underscores a broader trend of clarifying legal standards for police use of force, aiming to balance officer safety with constitutional accountability. This ruling could influence similar cases nationwide, particularly in regions covered by the Ninth Circuit. The National Police Association's strategic advocacy highlights the growing role of non-profits in shaping law enforcement policies through legal channels.

What we're watching

Legal Precedent Shift
How the Supreme Court's directive to reconsider the case in light of Zorn v. Linton will affect future policing liability cases.
Operational Impact
Whether law enforcement agencies will now more confidently use bodyweight compression and other approved restraint techniques.
Regulatory Dynamics
The pace at which lower courts adapt to the Supreme Court's reinforcement of qualified immunity protections for officers.