The Libertarian Party of Florida expressed deep concern over the recent acquittal of a Florida sheriff’s deputy in the 2018 Parkland school massacre trial, highlighting what the political party called “the troubling role of qualified immunity.”
The Libertarian Party of Florida said “the verdict underscores the urgent need to eliminate qualified immunity, a legal shield that allows law enforcement officers to evade accountability for their actions.” The LPF stands firmly behind the principle that no one, including law enforcement, should be above the law.
Former Broward County Deputy Scot Peterson was acquitted of felony child neglect and other charges, despite evidence suggesting his failure to act during the on-campus shooting. This historic trial marks the first time a law enforcement officer has been tried for conduct during such a tragic event. While the jury has spoken, the LPF reminded everyone that qualified immunity grants excessive protection to law enforcement, and Florida Libertarians say that protection is often at the expense of justice and the rights of the public they are sworn to serve.
The Libertarian Party of Florida claimed qualified immunity, in essence, creates a double standard of justice, saying it allows law enforcement to escape accountability for their actions, while ordinary citizens would face severe consequences for similar misconduct. This legal doctrine “undermines the trust and confidence that the public should have in those entrusted with protecting their lives and safety,” the LPF said.
“Former Deputy Scot Peterson’s failure to confront the shooter and protect innocent lives during the Parkland school massacre is a tragic example of the implications of qualified immunity,” the Libertarian Party of Florida said in a statement. “While he claims that the blame lies solely with the shooter, his duty as a law enforcement officer was to protect and serve, a responsibility he neglected. Instead of taking immediate action, Peterson chose inaction, resulting in the loss of precious lives. The not guilty verdict allows him to collect his $104,000 annual pension, an outcome that seems unjust given the circumstances.”
The LPF is calling upon lawmakers, citizens, and fellow political organizations to join the effort in ending qualified immunity.
“We advocate for a fair and just legal system where law enforcement officers are held accountable for their actions, fostering trust and transparency between the community and those sworn to protect it,” the party said. “The LPF will continue to champion the cause of justice, individual rights, and the dismantling of legal protections that shield law enforcement from their responsibilities.”
Totally wrong article. Qualified immunity was created precisely to give some measure if consistency under the law for peace officers from the highly fickle legal system. Officers must navigate daily in a world where career criminals and mentally ill nuts like the parkland shooter threaten the innocent children of our society. Even the most professional officers can never be perfect when making split second decisions under fire that can have deadly consequences for not only victims but the officers and their families. Officer Peterson should have been stripped of his job and pension for cowardice but qualified immunity had no actual part in his acquittal and this article is a twisted slap at the professional officers who protect our streets at the risk of their own lives and careers.