Hinds judge wins immunity

Hinds County Judge Houston Patton has immunity from a 2008 lawsuit accusing him of knowingly making false claims to authorities, a federal appeals court says.

As a result, the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans reversed a federal judge's decision not to dismiss the lawsuit against Patton.

Patton appealed U.S. District Judge Tom Lee's ruling last year rejecting Patton's assertion that as a judge Patton could not be held liable.

Clarion Ledger
3/9/11