Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Connor Cauley, one of the “City Hall Three,” was recently released from jail after serving a 60-day sentence for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence. The case grew out of May 2025 pro-Palestine disturbance at a meeting of the Jacksonville City Council, during which Cauley and two others were arrested. Although he lost his case at trial, his defense rested on a claim that he could not be held liable for resisting, because the officer “was not lawfully executing a legal duty.” The Florida Legislature eliminated that legal defense this year in a bill that greatly expands protections for law enforcement officers. Under the new law, resistance is unjustified even if the officer is acting illegally or using excessive force. We ask Cawley about the jury verdict and his time served, and ask his lawyer how the new law will affect defendants in the future.
Guests:
Conor Cauley, protester arrested, one of the “City Hall Three”
Melinda Patterson, criminal defense attorney
Connor Cauley, one of the “City Hall Three,” was recently released from jail after serving a 60-day sentence for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence. The case grew out of May 2025 pro-Palestine disturbance at a meeting of the Jacksonville City Council, during which Cauley and two others were arrested. Although he lost his case at trial, his defense rested on a claim that he could not be held liable for resisting, because the officer “was not lawfully executing a legal duty.” The Florida Legislature eliminated that legal defense this year in a bill that greatly expands protections for law enforcement officers. Under the new law, resistance is unjustified even if the officer is acting illegally or using excessive force. We ask Cawley about the jury verdict and his time served, and ask his lawyer how the new law will affect defendants in the future.
Guests:
Conor Cauley, protester arrested, one of the “City Hall Three”
Melinda Patterson, criminal defense attorney
