"Do I Have a Case?" — Civil Rights Case Evaluator

Not every incident of police misconduct translates into a viable civil rights lawsuit. This evaluator walks through the key factors attorneys weigh when assessing a case — liability, damages, and procedure. Check every box that applies to your situation and the verdict updates in real time.

Part 1 — Liability0 / 10 pts

A government actor was involved — police officer, corrections officer, or other agency employeerequired

They were acting in their official capacity at the time of the incidentrequired

You can identify a specific constitutional violation — unlawful search, excessive force, false arrest, denial of due process, etc.high value

Evidence exists to support the violation — video footage, photos, witness accounts, or medical recordshigh value

The conduct was clearly unlawful — not a borderline judgment call a reasonable officer could defend

There is evidence of a broader policy or pattern of misconduct by the department (prior complaints, similar incidents, internal records)

Part 3 — Procedure & Timing0 / 6 pts

The incident occurred within the applicable statute of limitations — typically 2–3 years for Section 1983 claimsrequired

You filed (or can still file) a timely Notice of Claim with the municipality — windows can be as short as 60–90 dayshigh value

Video, body camera footage, or documentary evidence has been preserved or formally requested

You have identified and have contact information for at least one independent witness

Check the boxes above that apply to your situation.

22+ strong13–21 viable5–12 weak0–4 unlikely

0/10

Liability

0/17

Damages

0/6

Procedure

0/33

Total

This tool is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a licensed civil rights attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

“Do I Have a Case?”