In this article, Jenner & Block Partner Reid J. Schar examines the controversial traffic stop involving a woman named Sandra Bland and a state trooper in Waller County, Texas. Mr. Schar explores the legal implications of the caseand the vagueness surrounding what defines a “lawful order” from a police officer in the context of a traffic stop. Mr. Schar concludes the law needs greater“clarity as to what officers may and may not lawfully order during traffic stops” to avoid further tragedies like those that resulted in Ms. Bland’sdeath.
