Fifth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Against City of Jackson
JACKSON, MS— The City of Jackson today announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit involving allegations of lead contamination in Jackson’s water system.
The lawsuit alleged that lead contamination in the City’s water system violated residents’ constitutional rights. In Sterling v. The City of Jackson, the full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the federal district court that the claims against the City of Jackson and City officials could not move forward under federal constitutional law. The decision addresses the legal claims in the case.
“We are pleased that the Fifth Circuit upheld the dismissal of these claims,” said Mayor John Horhn. “The City remains committed to the health, safety, and well-being of every Jackson resident.”
The court also found that the City officials named in the lawsuit were protected by qualified immunity, meaning the plaintiffs did not show that the officials violated a clearly established constitutional right.
“This decision brings this case to an important conclusion at the appellate level. The Fifth Circuit affirmed that the claims against the City and its officials could not move forward under federal law,” said City Attorney Drew Martin. “We appreciate the court’s thorough
review of this matter. We are also grateful to Attorney Clarence Webster and Jones Walker Law Firm for their exceptional representation and dedicated work on the City’s behalf.”
The City will continue working with our partners including the state and federal government, and JXN Water to strengthen Jackson’s water system and help ensure residents continue to have access to safe and clean drinking water.
