Opinion ID: 712148
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Punitive Damages Against Defendants in an Official Capacity.

Text: 58 In addition to its grant of compensatory damages in Shabazz's second successful section 1983 action, the district court awarded punitive damages against Dupnik, Bosman and Fimbres in their official capacities in the amount of $100,000. This portion of the award is contrary to law, and we reverse it. 59 Although a municipality may be liable for compensatory damages in § 1983 actions, it is immune from punitive damages under the statute. City of Newport v. Fact Concerts, Inc., 453 U.S. 247, 271, 101 S.Ct. 2748, 2762, 69 L.Ed.2d 616 (1981). A suit against a governmental officer in his official capacity is equivalent to a suit against the governmental entity itself. Larez v. City of Los Angeles, 946 F.2d 630, 646 (9th Cir.1991). The district court's award of $100,000 in punitive damages against Dupnik, Bosman and Fimbres in their official capacities is in reality an assessment against the county, which is immune from such damages. 6 The district court therefore erred in awarding punitive damages. 60 Dupnik also argues, incorrectly, that he is immune from judgment for compensatory damages assessed against him in his official capacity. City of Newport does not save municipalities from liability under Section 1983 for compensatory damages. 453 U.S. at 259, 101 S.Ct. at 2755. That liability extends through Larez to municipal officers, including Dupnik, Bosman and Fimbres. We affirm the district court's award of compensatory damages. 61