Government
Aug. 31, 2026
'Prisoner' definition could shield Riverside County from juvenile abuse claims
A Riverside judge said appellate precedent may require treating minors held in juvenile facilities as prisoners, potentially immunizing the county from liability for decades-old sexual abuse claims.
RIVERSIDE -- A Riverside County judge said Friday that appellate precedent appears to require him to treat minors held in juvenile facilities as "prisoners" under a 1963 governmental immunity law, potentially shielding the county from liability in lawsuits alleging decades-old childhood sexual abuse.
Superior Court Judge Harold W. Hopp said at a demurrer hearing that he believes he is bound by older appellate decisions applying Government Code Section 844.6 to juveniles ...
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