Barnes v. Camden
What's at Stake
In July 2010, the ACLU and the ACLU of New Jersey filed a lawsuit on behalf of an innocent Camden, New Jersey man, Joel Barnes, who was jailed for more than a year as the result of having drugs planted on him by police officers later implicated in a large-scale evidence-planting conspiracy affecting nearly 200 other Camden residents. Mr. Barnes is seeking compensatory damages, as well as injunctive relief designed to prevent such conduct among Camden police officers from occurring in the future.
Summary
In January 2011, the ACLU also filed a complaint in New Jersey state court on Mr. Barnes’ behalf, pursuant to a state law that provides compensation to individuals who can demonstrate that they have been wrongly convicted and incarcerated. The state action was settled in February 2012 for approximately $23,000.
Legal Documents
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07/29/2010
ACLU Lawsuit Charging Camden, NJ Police With Planting Drugs On Innocent Man
Date Filed: 07/29/2010
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03/27/2012
Barnes v. Camden - Defendant Answer and Crossclaims Federal Court
Date Filed: 03/27/2012
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03/27/2012
Barnes v. Camden - Complaint Superior Court of NJ
Date Filed: 03/27/2012
Press Releases
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Camden Police Officers Who Planted Drugs On Suspects