Where the central issue in civil proceedings resolves into competing and mutually inconsistent allegations of serious conduct (here, police officers alleged to have committed battery and false imprisonment versus a plaintiff alleged to have deliberately assaulted a police officer), the trial judge is not required to expressly refer to the Briginshaw standard of clear and cogent proof; the omission of such reference neither involves nor indicates error. The case also provides a useful compendium of damages principles for intentional torts committed by police officers, including battery ($5,000), false imprisonment ($15,000 including aggravated and exemplary damages for approximately 1.5 hours' detention), and malicious prosecution ($30,000 for a 10-month period between charge and acquittal).
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