False arrest claims involve a violation a person's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable seizure by a police officer or a member of law enforcement.
Under the 1871 Civil Rights Act, which is codified in federal law under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, people can sue the government for violations of their civil rights. Civil rights lawsuits are commonly called Section 1983 lawsuits, which is a reference to the federal law.
Imagine this: you park your car in Manhattan. Police approach you after you get out of your car and ask to see your license. After looking at your out-of-state license, police claim that the document is forged.
