Wrongly Accused Duke Lacrosse Players Ask For Lawsuit Against Durham To Proceed

DURHAM, N.C. — A group of former Duke University lacrosse players wrongly arrested on rape charges in 2006 has asked a federal appeals court to let their lawsuit against the City of Durham move forward.

Cleared players David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann sued Durham and a list of officials that include the former city manager and former police chief.

Local governments typically enjoy broad immunity from liability over official actions. However, a judge ruled in March that the suit against Durham could proceed. The city has appealed.

Lawyers for the players filed a 91-page brief last week asking that appeals judges in Richmond, Va., uphold the lower court's ruling and allow a jury trial over possible damages.

No date has been set for a hearing in the case.