Qualified Immunity

The Badge Doesn’t Make You Above the Law

An opinion piece advocates for the complete abolition of qualified immunity, asserting that the judicially created doctrine fosters a system of unaccountability for government officials. The analysis contends this framework disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and contravenes the explicit language of federal law regarding constitutional violations.

Cato Institute Opposes Fifth Circuit’s Qualified Immunity Ruling on Free Speech

The Cato Institute and the Law Enforcement Action Partnership have filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that granted qualified immunity to law enforcement officials in Louisiana. The brief contends the ruling weakens accountability for constitutional violations and diminishes First Amendment protections, stemming from a civil rights lawsuit alleging viewpoint discrimination.