Maryland top court's new term underway

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s top court this term will consider appeals that could change the liability landscape in cases concerning police brutality, hospitalizations for mental illness and insurance coverage.

During the 2014-2015 term, which started Sept. 3, the Court of Appeals will decide whether a police officer’s actions can be so egregious as to nullify a cap on damages under Maryland’s Local Government Tort Claims Act. Specifically, the high court will determine whether Prince George’s County owes the family of a man killed by a police officer the $11.5 million a jury awarded, or the $400,000 the judge ultimately awarded under the LGTCA.