The case in Louisiana involving DeRay Mckesson, a well-known Black Lives Matter activist, raises important questions about the responsibility and potential legal liability of protest organizers.

The case dates back to 2016, when Mckesson organized a protest in response to the police shooting of Alton Sterling. The protest escalated and a police officer was injured in the process. The officer then launched a lawsuit against Mckesson, claiming damages.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the lawsuit to proceed, despite years of legal wrangling and the complex issue of whether an organizer can be held responsible for violence or injuries that occur during a protest.

As noted by Reuters columnist Hassan Kanu, the implications of this ruling could be significant.

The decision could potentially influence free speech rights and the ability to peacefully protest. This is a particular concern in the United States, where protests on various issues have been increasing in frequency and intensity.

By allowing the lawsuit against Mckesson to move forward, the court may set a precedent that places significant legal risks on protest organizers.

The ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana creates a potential precedent where a protest organizer can be held legally responsible for injuries inflicted by another person during a demonstration.

The court allowed a lawsuit to proceed, lodged by an anonymous officer alleging negligence against DeRay Mckesson, a Black Lives Matter activist.

According to the court’s decision, it’s plausible that Mckesson could be liable for the officer’s injuries, due to the nature of his protest planning.

The court’s reasoning is based on the idea that Mckesson planned to block a public highway, an act that’s illegal in Louisiana. This could predictably lead to a violent confrontation with the police.

The implications of this decision are significant. If upheld, it could potentially place protest organizers at risk of being held responsible for any violence or injuries that occur during their events, even if they didn’t directly cause the harm.