Opinion ID: 779065
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Sequence of Analysis

Text: 10 Our discussion begins with the two-step sequence of analysis set forth by the Supreme Court in Saucier v. Katz, 533 U.S. 194, 121 S.Ct. 2151, 150 L.Ed.2d 272 (2001). First, we ask whether the facts Valdez alleged show that the defendants violated his constitutional rights. Id. at 207, 121 S.Ct. 2151 (instructing federal courts not to assume the existence of a constitutional right even if it is clear that the defendants would be entitled to qualified immunity). If we answer that question in the negative, no further analysis is necessary. If, on the other hand, we answer that question in the affirmative, we then consider whether the defendants are entitled to qualified immunity. See id. at 201, 207, 121 S.Ct. 2151; Robinson v. Solano County, 278 F.3d 1007, 1013 (9th Cir.2002) (en banc) (explaining that we must ask first whether the facts taken in the light most favorable to the plaintiff would establish a [constitutional] violation.... Only if the answer is in the affirmative should we address the immunity issue.). 11 Valdez attempts to short-circuit this analysis by arguing that the only issue on appeal is whether the defendants are entitled to qualified immunity. He contends the defendants' failure to cross-appeal precludes them from challenging the district court's conclusion that they violated his constitutional rights. That is incorrect. As the prevailing parties, the defendants need not have filed cross-appeals in order to correct errors in the district court's reasoning nor to preserve alternative grounds for affirming the judgment. Lee v. Burlington N. Santa Fe Ry. Co., 245 F.3d 1102, 1107 (9th Cir.2001); Rodrigues v. Herman, 121 F.3d 1352, 1355 n. 2 (9th Cir.1997). Accordingly, we consider the merits of Valdez's claims and conclude that the defendants did not violate any of his constitutional rights. We do not reach the qualified immunity issue.