Qualified Immunity
/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd ɪˈmjunɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine that shields government officials from liability for civil damages if their actions did not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights.
The officer asserted qualified immunity to avoid being sued for damages after the alleged rights violation.
Related terms
Commentary
Qualified immunity is often contested in civil rights litigation; precise factual and legal standards should be carefully drafted to clarify when immunity applies.
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.