Opinion ID: 547536
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Prosecutor Gibson

Text: 9 The magistrate found that the prosecutor enjoyed absolute immunity. See Imbler v. Pachtman, 424 U.S. 409, 424-27, 96 S.Ct. 984, 992-93, 47 L.Ed.2d 128 (1976). Webster argues that the prosecutor exceeded the scope of his prosecutorial duties when he allegedly disregarded a state circuit judge's order to file an information or release him and therefore was not entitled to absolute immunity. A prosecutor is entitled to absolute immunity for conduct related to initiating a prosecution and presenting the state's case. Id. at 431, 96 S.Ct. at 995-96. Prosecutors must act clearly outside their jurisdiction (i.e., pursuant to their investigatory duties) to lose the defense of absolute immunity. See Wilhelm v. Turner, 431 F.2d 177, 182-83 (8th Cir.1970), cert. denied, 401 U.S. 947, 91 S.Ct. 919, 28 L.Ed.2d 230 (1971). Webster's allegation that the prosecutor disregarded a court order to file an information would not place him outside the scope of his prosecutorial duties. 8 Thus, we conclude the district court was correct in finding that the prosecutor had absolute immunity, and Webster's section 1983 action insofar as it contained allegations against the prosecutor was properly dismissed.