Absolute Immunity
/ˈæbsəluːt ɪˈmjuːnɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A complete protection from civil or criminal liability granted to certain public officials performing their official duties.
Judges are often granted absolute immunity to ensure independent decision-making without fear of lawsuits.
- (n.) Immunity that bars lawsuits even if actions were done maliciously or in bad faith, so long as within official capacity.
Absolute immunity shields prosecutors from being sued for actions taken during a trial, even if alleged misconduct occurred.
Forms
- absolute immunity
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Absolute immunity is broader than qualified immunity and offers total protection, often applied to judicial and prosecutorial functions to preserve independence and decision-making free from personal liability.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.