Civil trial begins for Arizona's Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Source: Los Angeles Times

Civil trial begins for Arizona's Sheriff Joe Arpaio
By Michael Muskal
July 19, 2012, 10:06 a.m.

High noon is approaching for Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. A civil trial against the Arizona law enforcement official -- known for his tough stance on illegal immigration -- begins in Phoenix today, with foes accusing him of racial profiling and of illegally discriminating against Latinos.

Groups led by the American Civil Liberties Union are suing Arpaio and the state's most populous county, charging that they targeted Latinos as part of the sheriff’s get-tough policy on illegal immigration. Arpaio, who used frequent television appearances to build a reputation as a tough-talking lawman hard on criminals, is expected to take the stand at some point during the several weeks of the civil trial in federal court.

The suit is important in helping define the policies of the local sheriff’s office, but it's just one legal skirmish that Arpaio is facing.

The U.S. Department of Justice is also suing the sheriff, his office and Maricopa County, charging civil-rights violations. In addition, a federal grand jury has been investigating Arpaio's office for allegedly abusing its law enforcement powers and for other possible instances of public corruption.



Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-arizona-sheriff-joe-arpaio-racial-profiling-trial-20120719,0,1369308.story