Uneven justice

Two bad shootings, two guilty cops. One family sues and gets a million dollars; the other sues and collects not a penny.

Joseph Erin Hamley, 21, was wandering lost and alone on an isolated stretch of Highway 412 near the Ozark National Forest, fumbling with the toy balls he kept in his pockets. Born with cerebral palsy, Hamley had shaved his head in solidarity with his brother, who was about to go to Iraq with the Arkansas National Guard.

The haircut gave Hamley an unfortunate resemblance to a young man who had just escaped from a prison boot camp. A passing motorist alerted the Arkansas State Police. Trooper Larry Norman raced to the scene at speeds over 100 mph, jumped out of his cruiser, aimed his shotgun at Hamley and ordered him to the ground.

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