Document: 424 U.S. 409 96 S.Ct. 984 47 L.Ed.2d 128 Paul Kern IMBLER, Petitioner,v.Richard PACHTMAN, District Attorney. No. 74-5435. Argued Nov. 3, 1975. Decided March 2, 1976. Syllabus Petitioner, convicted of murder, unsuccessfully petitioned for state habeas corpus on the basis respondent prosecuting attorney's revelation newly discovered evidence, and charged that had knowingly used false testimony suppressed material evidence at petitioner's trial. Petitioner thereafter filed a federal petition based same allegations, ultimately obtained his release. He then brought an action against others under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, seeking damages loss liberty allegedly caused by unlawful prosecution, but Court held was immune from liability Appeals affirmed. Held: A attorney who, as here, acted within scope duties in initiating pursuing criminal prosecution presenting State's case, is absolutely civil suit 1983 alleged deprivations accused's constitutional rights. 988-996. (a) Section to be read harmony with general principles tort immunities defenses rather than derogation them. Tenney v. Brandhove, 341 367, 71 783, 95 L.Ed. 1019. 988-990. (b) The considerations public policy underlie common-law rule absolute immunity prosecutor malicious likewise dictate 1983. Although such leaves genuinely wronged defendant without redress whose or dishonest deprives him liberty, alternative qualifying prosecutor's would disserve broader interest it prevent vigorous fearless performance duty essential proper functioning justice system often prejudice defendants skewing post-conviction judicial decisions should made sole purpose insuring justice. 990-994. 9 Cir., 500 F.2d 1301, Roger S. Hanson, Woodlands Hills, Cal., petitioner. John P. Farrell, Los Angeles, respondent. Sol. Gen. Robert H. Bork, Washington, D. C., United States, amicus curiae, special leave Court. Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion 1 question presented this case whether who amendable defendant's Ninth Circuit he not. 1301. We affirm. 2 * events which culminated span many years several proceedings. They began January 1961, when two men attempted rob Angeles market run Morris Hasson. One shot fatally wnded Hasson, fled different directions. Ten days later Leonard Lingo killed while attempting robbery Pomona, accomplices escaped. Imbler, petitioner turned himself next day one those accomplices. Subsequent investigation led Attorney believe Imbler perpetrated first crime well, first-degree felony murder Hasson's death. 3 consisted eyewitness wife identification three seen assailants fleeing after shooting. Mrs. Hasson unable identify gunman because hat obscured face, police photographs she identified killer's companion Lingo. primary witness Alfred Costello, passerby night crime, testified clear view both emerged again few moments losing fire Costello1 shed coat2 before continuing on. Costello positively gunman. second witness, attendant parking lot through escaped, side front man passed. Finally, customer leaving robbers entered good look they exited later. All these witnesses gunman, also Rigorous cross-examination failed shake any witnesses.3 4 Imbler's defense alibi. claimed have spent killing bar-hopping persons, met time morning Pomona. This corroborated Mayes, other accomplice Pomona robbery, accompanied earlier rounds bars. jury found guilty fixed punishment death.4 On appeal Supreme California affirmed unanimously over numerous contentions error. People 57 Cal.2d 711, 21 Cal.Rptr. 568, 371 P.2d 304 (1962). 5 Shortly Deputy Richard Pachtman, been trial Court, wrote Governor describing up investigator correctional authority. In substance, corroborating alibi, well new revelations about prime Costello's background indicated less trustworthy represented originally Pachtman testimony. noted leads some information available counsel prior apparently not developed, convincingly withstood intense cross-examination, none conclusive innocence. explained belief "a fair see all true facts helpful not, presented."5 6 shortly Pachtman's letter. appointed its retired justices referee hold hearing, main attraction. recanted established redirect painted picture own more flattering true. witnesses, uncovered investigations, testified. 7 brief petition, described post-trial detective work "(i)n highest tradition law enforcement justice," premier example "devotion duty."6 But trial.7 thorough Traynor, rejected denied writ. re 554, 35 293, 387 (1963). court hearing record fully supported referee's finding recantation lacked credibility compared original itself, id., 562, Cal.Rptr., 297-299, P.2d, 10-11, appeared behalf were unsure their stories otherwise impeached, 569-570, 301, 14. 8 1964, year denial succeeded having death sentence overturned grounds unrelated case. 61 556, 39 375, 393 687 (1964). Rather resentence him, State stipulated life imprisonment. There matter lay years, until late 1967 early 1968 Federal previously urged upon California. no hearing. Instead, decided record, including letter transcript ordered Reading quite differently seven eight instances misconduct trial, cumulative effect required issuance Craven, 298 F.Supp. 795, 812 (C.D.Cal.1969). Six occurred during amounted court's culpable use misleading testimony.8 suppressions favorable fingerprint expert investigated murder.9 writ issue unless retried 60 days, rehearing. 10 appealed Circuit, claiming give appropriate deference factual determinations 28 2254(d). affirmed, merely "reached conclusions applying standards (the) facts," California, 631, 632 certiorari denied, 400 865, 91 100, 27 104 (1970). chose retry released. 11 At point, decade litigation now free, stage set present suit. April 1972, rights action, related statutes, expert, various officers force. conspiracy among them unlawfully charge convict grievous injury. demanded.$2.7 million actual exemplary each defendant, plus $15,000 fees. 12 incorporate into complaint Court's decision granting corpus, most part tracked setting out overt acts furtherance conspiracy. gravamen "with intent, occasions negligence" allowed expert's suppression "chargeable law" Pachtman. addition prosecuted knowledge lie detector test "cleared" artist's sketch killer altered resemble closely focused him. 13 moved Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 12(b)(6) dismissed noting prosecutors repeatedly "acts done traditional official functions," fell category granted motion. Following entry final judgment 54(b), Circuit. That court, judge dissenting, committed "during prosecutorial activities can only characterized 'integral process,' " F.2d, 1302, quoting Marlowe Coakley, 404 70 (C.A.9 1968). consider important recurring Civil Rights Act 1871. 420 945, 1324, 43 423 (1975). II 14 Title provides "(e)very person" color deprive another right shall answerable person damages.10 statute thus creates species face admits immunities, argued applied stringently reads.11 has prevailed. 15 considered implications statute's literal sweep 1019 (1951). members legislative committee called plaintiff appear them, purpose, intimidate silence certain matters concern, thereby deprived Because legislators England country enjoyed actions, squarely Reconstruction Congress intended restrict availability suits historically, reasons policy, accorded categories officials. concluded "well grounded history reason" abrogated "by covert inclusion language" U.S., 376, 788. Regardless unworthy animating enjoy usual acting "in field where traditionally power act." Id., 379, 789. 16 Before today occasion types government officials legislators. judges jurisdiction," Bradley Fisher, Wall. 335, 20 646 (1872), preserved Pierson Ray, 386 547, 554-555, 87 1213, 1218, 18 288 (1967).12 local sued deprivation resulting arrest "good faith probable cause" coextensive actions common law. 555-557, S.Ct., 1218. qualified recent cases.13 Scheuer Rhodes, 416 232, 94 1683, 40 90 (1974), we executive varied "the discretion responsibilities office circumstances reasonably action. . ." 247, 1692.14 Last Term Wood Strickland, 308, 992, 214 (1975), school officials, context imposing disciplinary penalties, liable so long could known violated students' clearly rights, provided did act intention cause 322, 1001; cf. O'Connor Donaldson, 442 563, 577, 2486, 2495, 45 396 Wood, cases, underlying nature respective essentially 1983.15 See 318-321, 1000; 239-247, n. 4, 1688. III 17 marks our opportunity address officer. Courts Appeals, however, confronted times varying circumstances. precise contours holdings unclear times, bottom are virtually unanimous enjoys duties.16 These courts sometimes form "quasi-judicial" referred derivative recognized supra.17 focuses characterization, contends illustrates fundamental illogic according prosecutor. argues prosecutor, member branch, cannot claim reserved judiciary, akin previous cases. takes overly simplistic approach liability. As above, products fiat branches amenable Rather, predicated inquiry historically relevant interests behind it. must determined manner. A. 19 function invites initiate may lead if misfires. American amendability Griffith Slinkard, 146 Ind. 117, 44 N.E. 1001 (1896).18 added plaintiff's name grand bill jurors refused indict result arrested forced finally nolle prossed. Despite allegations malice, Indiana ground immune. 122, N.E., 1002. became majority issue.19 eventually came Second Yaselli Goff, (1926), Special Assistant General maliciously procured indictment willful introduction evidence. Plaintiff sought $300,000 subjected rigors directed verdict Government. complaint, After reviewing development doctrine immunity, 399-404, stated: "In requires us assistant imposed law, although results rendered jury. absolute, policy." 406. 22 briefing oral argument, per curiam opinion. 275 503, 48 155, 72 395 (1927). 23 commonlaw grant duties.20 include concern harassment unfounded deflection energies duties, possibility shade instead exercising independence trust. expressed follows: 24 "The administered courage independence. Yet how subject whom accuses fails convict? To allow open way unlimited embarrassment conscientious profit thereby. involved every possible consequences failure obtain conviction. always saw fit move dismissal apprehension tend toward great uneasiness weakening impartial characterize administration office. impeded, away desired objective stricter fairer enforcement." Pearson Reed, Cal.App.2d 277, 287, 592, 597 (1935). 25 404-406. B 26 settled.21 determine countenance think do. If threat undermine prosecution. bound exercise best deciding bring conducting court. trust suffer constrained making terms potential damages. Such expected frequency, will transform resentment being ascription improper advocate. Cf. Wall., 348, 646; 1217. Further, answer wrongdoing, energy attention diverted pressing enforcing Moreover, survived pleadings pose substantial danger even honest witness' falsehoods, materiality revealed defense, propriety closing likelihood infected deny due process, typical issues struggle relief, differing conclusions.22 presentation require virtual retrial offense forum, resolution technical It say, think, greater difficulty meeting administrative Frequently serious constraints information, inevitably makes engender colorable claims deprivation. Defending decisions, made, impose unique intolerable burdens responsible annually hundreds indictments trials. supra, 349, 646. 29 affording adverse system. Attaining system's goal accurately determining guilt innocence wide conduct evidence.23 veracity cases frequently doubt testify, illustrated hampered personal liability, triers fact evidence.24 30 ultimate fairness operation itself weakened subjecting Various procedures accused received remedial powers judge, appellate review, collateral remedies. tribunal primarily there focus blurred subconscious favor might respond error mistaken judgment.25 31 conclude outlined above sure, does liberty. interest. system.26 With framed, find ourselves agreement Judge Learned Hand, prosecution: 32 "As balance between evils inevitable either alternative. instance thought end better unredressed wrongs try do constant dread retaliation." Gregoire Biddle, 177 579, 581 (C.A.2 1949), cert. 339 949, 803, 1363 (1950). 33 404; 320, 1000.27 34 emphasize powerless deter punish occurs. never suggested compel governmental place beyond reach Even judges, cloaked centuries, punished criminally strength 242,28 analog O'Shea Littleton, 414 488, 669, 679, 38 674 (1974); Gravel 408 606, 627, 92 2614, 2628, 583 (1972). fare acts.29 stands perhaps unique, persons amenability professional discipline association peers.30 checks argument imposition insure mindful crime. IV remains delineate boundaries holding. noted, Supra, 416, emphasized respondent's challenged "integral process." 1302. Appeals' functional status distinguish standing others, engaged investigative enjoys, associated good-faith comparable policeman's.31 U. S., 557, 1219. agree intimately phase functions apply full force.32 like similar aspects responsibility cast role administrator officer advocate.33 1983.34 accordingly 36 Affirmed. 37 STEVENS took consideration WHITE, BRENNAN MARSHALL join, concurring judgment. I concur much reasoning. perjured testimony; money false, unconstitutional solely believed write, extending entitled law; necessary decide case; protect process. Most seriously, disagree implication extends threaten injure process interfere Congress' enacting support statutory language history. provides: 41 "Every statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, usage, Territory, subjects, causes subjected, citizen States jurisdiction thereof privileges, secured Constitution party injured equity, proceeding redress." clear, central "give remedy parties privileges Official's abuse position." Monroe Pape, 365 167, 172, 81 473, 476, 492 (1961) (emphasis added). things, places limitations fundamentally "(m)isuse power, possessed virtue wrongdoer clothed authority law." Classic, 313 299, 326, 1031, 1043, 85 1368 (1941). manifest class damage extend group negate Pro tanto very appears create. 243, 1686, (1974). Thus, Any extended Absolute absence convincing showing necessary. Accordingly, declined construe variety (1975) (school board members); supra (various officers, chief officer); (1967) (policemen); notwithstanding that, least respect high Spalding Vilas, 161 483, 780 (1896); Alzua Johnson, 231 106, 27, 58 142 (1913). construed absent faith." 315, 1685. "deny promise 1983." 1001. Nonetheless, firmly rooted strong unwilling infer meant abolish acts, (1951),1 supra.2 justifying invariably rested proposition decision-making engaged. Thus justified "freedom speech legislature" dampening effects threatened lawsuits. 372, 786. Similarly, standard proof set, burden defending disappointed litigants "contribute principled intimidation." 347, "For principle importance officer, vested free convictions, himself. Liability feel aggrieved inconsistent possession freedom, destroy judiciary respectable useful. discussed 396, 399-401 1926), summarily aff'd, 46 articulates permitting maintained expose unjust award, Ante, 425; expensive defend prevails take official's job, behavior induce valid order 427. However, policemen, teachers, executives, sufficient immunize outrageous conduct. Indeed, officials3 necessarily enactment indication accountable acts. decisionmaking unfortunate flowing question. depends reason Judicial entrenched judge's, considerable support. was, is, F. Harper & James, Law Torts 4.3, p. 305 (1956) (hereafter James), cited; ; 579 1949); Kauffman Moss, 1270 (C.A.3 1970); Bauers Heisel, 361 1965); Tyler Witkowski, 511 449 (C.A.7 1975); Hampton City Chicago, 484 602 1973); Barnes Dorsey, 480 1057 (C.A.8 Duba McIntyre, 501 590 1974); Robichaud Ronan, 351 533 1965). Leong Yau Carden, Haw. 362 (1916). rule, rests Absent 'it human (prosecutors) refrain action; possibly otherwise.' James pp. 305-306, 161, 162 (S.D.N.Y.1925). prosecute, performs function. 305; 404. returning indictment, 403, 'the particular instituted jury.' 404, Smith Parman, 101 Kan. 115, 165 663 (1917). analogy one. risk injury real. sue erroneous Not prosecute. permitted,4 incentive charges. "fear harassed vexatious suit, consciences" "where powerful" involved, W. Hawkins, Pleas Crown, 349 (6th ed. 1787). prosecute independent allegation withheld exculpatory Part III, Infra served rule. Public defamatory remarks proceeding, §§ 5.21, 5.22; 402-403; protecting Veeder, Immunity Defamation: Proceedings, Col.L.Rev. 463 (1909). lawyers statements, eliciting witnesses; themselves delivering 5.22, 423-424, King Skinner, Lofft 55, 98 Eng.Rep. 529, 530 (K.B.1772) (Per Lord Mansfield); 403. substantial. precisely truth lies. ability courts, carefully developed procedures, separate falsity, resolving disputes (and civil) proceedings "given encouragement make disclosure pertinent knowledge." 424. For means permitted testify fear disbelieved. lawyer, call disbelieved lawyer knew false. Of course, encouraged falsely nor falsely. deterrent already laws perjury subornation perjury, self-censorship becomes too great. particularly difficult impossible attorneys falsity present. faced believes, knows jury, given submit crucible factfinder it, together 49 "Absolute privilege conceded obvious freedom exist. ends participating (to illustration) discharge consequences." Col.L.Rev., 469. 50 above-stated reasons, claims5 false; attribute remove 51 Since untrue since forth below fail theory, insofar majority's implies violations bringing disagree. charging Brady Maryland, 373 83, 83 1194, 215 52 defamation. simply capacity.6 example, reported nondisclosure accepted proposition, incorporated existing follow course doing jobs. Secondly, blanket hardly need stating ordinarily, illegal desirable deterring enacted. circumstances, II, attacking expect protected indeed integrity enhanced engage 53 defamation designed encourage resolve single justification. Lest withhold valuable questionable arguments, submitting knowledge.7 stand head, unconstitutionally Discourage suits.Denial withholding disclosure. disclose induced required. But, process.8 help lower "duties constituting integral process" claims. Hilliard Williams, 465 1212, 1218 (C.A.6) 1029, 93 461, 322 (1972); Haaf Grams, 355 542, 545 (Minn.1973); Peterson Stanczak, F.R.D. 426 (N.D.Ill.1969). Contra, 1973). 54 Equally important, unlike courtroom summations, hearsay violation Confrontation Clause, knowing truly process," correct suppressing definition ignorant occurs; reasonable suspect surface. then, 55 stakes high. woman second-degree entirely circumstantial incriminating item jacket worn curtains bloodstains stains subsequently jail. Fortunately, FBI report existence instructed mention concluded, testing, bloodstains. retrial, acquitted. She (1963), award pending 516 1344 (C.A.6 1975). investigator's followed orders, denied. Clark Hilliard, 1066, 805, 656 (1976). apparent substantial, uncovered. conduct, easy permit suits. Where disappears, "monstrous recovery." 581. 56 respects, contain relating suppressed. Insofar disclose, notes, pretrial lineups legally chargeable While lie-detector respondent, inadmissible constitutionally disclosed. alteration composite designated direct review conviction states modified later, following suggestions witnesses," presumably record. items relate eyewitnesses State, large concededly written bad small amounts check outstanding extensive defense. taken true, charges patently insufficient evidence.9 past, regard obligation exception normal adversary justice, turn far significance here. Moore Illinois, 786, 2562, 706 adequately mind violation, more, reason, reached formed count assault, tried count. coat, her husband's assailant, yielded gun ballistics weapon. fourth scene lineup, 10-year prison term assault charge. 1, Supra. Brief Respondent, App.A., 6. indicate what specific response note dated August 17, 1962, execution, scheduled September 12, stayed. permanent subsequent litigation. Respondent 5. generally Napue 360 264, 79 1173, 1217 (1959); ambiguous testimony, lied flatly education, current income. misleading. "cause suspect" although, apparently, thereof. F.Supp., 799-807. addressed parts falsehood instance. 562-565, 297-300, 6, 10-12, 809-811. allegations. Cal.2d, 566-568, 299-301, 12-13. passed 1871, Stat. 13, reads full: laws, See, e. g., 559, 1220, (Douglas, J., dissenting); 382-383, 791, (1951) dissenting). "Few doctrines solidly jurisdiction, adopted doctrine, (1872). applies corruptly, 'is protection benefit corrupt public, consequences.' 553-554, (citation omitted). procedural difference important. An defeats outset, immunity. fate motivations 238-239, 1687, 320-322, 1000, elements "It light coupled belief, affords performed conduct." 247-248, 1692. looked Constitutions, 372-375, Doe McMillan, 412 306, 2018, 912 (1973). Fanale Sheehy, 385 866, 868 1967); 1966), 1021, 1367, 457 (1967); Carmack Gibson, 363 862, 864 (C.A.5 1966); 449, 450-451 1057, 1060 Kostal Stoner, 292 492, 493 (C.A.10 1961), 369 868, 82 1032, (1962); Guerro Mulhearn, 498 1249, 1255-1256 (C.A.1 Weathers Ebert, 505 514, 515-516 (C.A.4 1974). compare Hurlburt Graham, 323 723 1963), 1212 (C.A.6), IV, infra. E.g., 450; 493; 602, 608 1973), 415 917, 1413, 471 20, cited Massachusetts decision, Parker Huntington, 68 Mass. 124 (1854), Note, 73 U.Pa.L.Rev. 300, (1925). (1917); Semmes Collins, 120 Miss. 265, So. 145 (1919); Kittler Kelsch, N.D. 227, 216 N.W. 898 (1927); Watts Gerking, 111 Or. 654, 228 135 (1924) (on rehearing). roots earliest Floyd Barker, Coke 23, 77 1305 (1608). Chancellor Kent traced Yates Lansing, Johns. 282 (N.Y.1810), supra. jurors, almost equally venerable tenet, country. Turpen Booth, Cal. 65 (1880); Hunter Mathis, 356 remarked juror, discretionary comparability judgments resulted termed well. 69; Or., 661, P., 138. (1950); Cooper O'Connor, 69 App.D.C. 99 135, 140-141 (1938); Anderson Rohrer, 367 (S.D.Fla.1933); 592 (1935); Manley, 181 Wash. 327, Restatement comment b 305-306 (1956). disagreement culpability express correct. nn. 9, defamation, airing statement proceeding. briefs T. Cooley 153 (4th 1932); 5.22. leading Hoar 193 (1841), Chief Shaw "Subject restriction (of relevancy), whole, interest, calculated subserve purposes speech, advocating sustaining constituents; discussion ought impaired refined distinctions." 197-198. decide, especially proceed sharp conflict conflict. Yet, understandably reluctant go forward close acquittal likely trigger Bar Association Project Standards Criminal Justice, Prosecution Defense Function 3.9(c) (Approved Draft 1971). dampen significant suggestive mitigation. enforced requirements ethics inform after-acquired casts correctness ABA Code Professional Responsibility EC 7-13 (1969); Standards, 3.11. suggests recognition corpus. addressing commented: "Imposing contribute allowed, be, shows substance. decline carve Petitioner's success habeas, agents, establish merit wrongdoing issue. Certainly nothing bind party. using "door-opener" create injecting extraneous concerns text, colored awareness "Whoever, willfully subjects inhabitant punishments, pains, account alien, color, race, prescribed citizens, fined $1,000 imprisoned year, both; imprisonment life." provide commits ascribed Cal.Penal 127 (1970); Branch, 200, 210-211, 74 238, 245, 174, (1969). 7-13. ABA, 24, 1.1(c), (e), Commentary, 44-45. 1256; 608-609; 533, 537 Madison Purdy, 410 1969); Lewis Brautigam, 227 1955). Cambist Films, Inc. Duggan, 475 887, 889 Both us, characterizes "police-related" investigative. Specifically, points request recess off questioning bad-check completed asserts activity direction Seen light, effort control task fairly recognize advocate involve preliminary initiation apart courtroom. constantly, such, sensitive issues. questions file dismiss defendants, call, Preparation, obtaining, reviewing, evaluating Drawing line questions, anticipate judgment, information. former WHITE agrees appropriate. thinks, "unconstitutionally Withheld court." Post, 443. accept distinction reasons. principle, perceive infringement deliberate reprehensible, warranting disbarment. 429, 30. susceptible practical application. reframed asserted rested. viewed discussing prohibitions practices. Mooney Holohan, 294 103, 110, 340, 341, 791 Alcorta Texas, 28, 31-32, 78 105, (1957); 86, 1196, (1963); Miller Pate, 4-6, 785, 690 Giglio 405 150, 151-155, 763, 766, case: Compare 809-811, 566-567, Denying eviscerate, situations, further WHITE's suggestion, 440 5, "full disclosure" casting exceeding progeny, 87, 1196; 2568, Donnelly DeChristoforo, 637, 647-648, 1868, 1874, 431 weaken interfered seriously legitimate discretion. lengthy "Speech Debate Clause" constitutions 372-373, "(f)ew (1872)." skewed applicable policemen; supplies prosecutors, policemen. say petitions constitutionality policemen prosecutors. rely correctly overturning dooms payment possesses, inapplicability res judicata 428 27. done, eliminate Defend vindication remain Infra, tending demonstrate sufficiently justify 3.17 3.18; tort, Schneider Shepherd, 192 Mich. 82, 158 182 arrests. Wilhelm Turner, 177, 180-183 1970) (dictum); Balistrieri Warren, 314 824 (W.D.Wis.1970). Ames Vavreck, 931 (Minn.1973). equal force arguments summation deliberately elicited Clause. ongoing investigations informant jeopardized exculpatory. situations dealt camera judge. militate disclosure, affect manner reprehensible beside point. beneficial disclosed court; whereas detrimental "claim suppression." Our treatment conclusively refutes argument. relatively allege witness; and, subjective certainly permitted, conclusion disclose. coincidence More point relative pleading (1963) disbelief Risk impel err overdisclosure. disbelieving suggestion kinds understood district mystifying. simple "would progeny." thing. utterly unchanged. committing pre-existing requirements, faith.

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