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Abstract

This article explores civil liability under state tort law against criminal justice personnel engaged in police sexual violence (PSV). After describing vicarious liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the article identifies five theories that courts use in deciding whether criminal justice agents commit PSV within the scope of employment. The article also discusses PSV cases litigated pursuant to intentional and negligence torts. It concludes that governmental entities need to systematically collect data on the prevalence of PSV, and criminal justice agencies need to monitor employees' deviant acts effectively.

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Police Sexual Violence: Civil Liability Under State Tort Law

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