The issue focused on the effect of law enforcement's use of force, and was not one in which law enforcement would be held legally responsible.

"I do think that it is a problem for people to have their rights taken away by law enforcement," said civil rights attorney John H. Vladeck, who has also worked with many police officers. "It is an important question. I am very interested to see what the court will say."

Mearkle's legal team had asked the