Thompson v. City of Godley: Retaliatory Arrest and False Records

This episode from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit details a lawsuit filed by Jennifer Thompson against the City of Godley and its officials. Thompson, a former city councilwoman, alleges her constitutional rights were violated when she was arrested for tampering with government records—an act she claims was retaliation for her political opposition to the mayor. The appellate court reversed several lower court dismissals, finding that Thompson plausibly argued the arrest lacked probable cause and was based on fabricated evidence. Specifically, the court held that editing a courtesy copy of a meeting agenda did not constitute a crime under Texas law. While some claims against the former mayor and police chief were affirmed for dismissal, the court remanded the retaliation and municipal liability claims for further litigation. Consequently, this ruling reinforces First Amendment protections against using police power to silence political dissent.