Opinion ID: 395173
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: A Qualified Immunity Standard

Text: 27 Rejection of absolute immunity for defendant Powell's actions hardly leaves him defenseless. Indeed, a standard of qualified immunity provides a formidable defense. If he can show that he had reasonable grounds for believing that his actions were legal (the objective basis) and that there was no malice or bad faith in his conduct (the subjective basis), he will be entitled to immunity. See Halperin v. Kissinger, supra, 606 F.2d at 1208. Under applicable standards, defendant Powell deserves no greater protection than this for his out-of-court communications. 28 Insofar as the District Court rejected defendant Powell's claim to absolute immunity and denied his motion for judgment on the pleadings, its decision should therefore be affirmed.