The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that Maricopa County can be held liable for the actions of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
In a number of lawsuits over the years, courts have found Arpaio implemented unlawful policing policies that violated federal anti-discrimination laws.
But Maricopa County and current Sheriff Paul Penzone argued that Arpaio’s programs and policies were just those of his office, not the county. The court struck that down.
The litigation and settlements resulting from Arpaio’s 24 years as Maricopa County sheriff have cost taxpayers about $140 million.
The Show spoke with Paul Bender at ASU's Sanda Day O'Conner College of Law to find out why the county is being held liable.
