Opinion ID: 1726817
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Williams' Allegations

Text: In Williams' complaint, he generally alleged violations of his rights under the 4th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and article 1, §§ 3 and 5, of the Nebraska Constitution. Williams also alleged that he was denied the quiet use and enjoyment of his property, home, and effects without due process of law under both the U.S. and the Nebraska Constitutions. We note that no one appears to contest the fact that Baird was acting in a discretionary function as an employee of DHHS, and in any case, we conclude that Baird was doing so. For the purposes of a qualified immunity analysis, a defendant is acting within his or her discretionary authority when his or her actions were undertaken pursuant to the performance of his or her duties and within the scope of his or her authority. [42] Baird averred in two separate affidavits that she was acting in her capacity as a DHHS caseworker when investigating claims of abuse made against Williams.