Rankin v. Klevenhagen

This is an interlocutory appeal from the denial of Appellants motion for summary judgment claiming qualified immunity. Joseph Rankin (Rankin) alleges that Appellant used excessive force on him while he was an inmate in the Harris County Jail. Gregory Pinkins (Pinkins), a Deputy Sheriff in Harris County, Texas, asserts that he is entitled to qualified immunity from Appellees § 1983 suit. We hold that the district court erred in applying Hudson v. McMillian to the second prong of the bifurcated inquiry into Pinkins qualified immunity defense, and remand for further proceedings.