Opinion ID: 41851
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Official Capacity Liability

Text: In this case, Eleventh Amendment immunity applies to bar Badillo’s claim for money damages and injunctive relief against Thorpe and Benefiel in their official capacities.6 The Eleventh Amendment “protects a State from being sued in federal court without the State’s consent.” Manders v. Lee, 338 F.3d 1304, 1308 (11th Cir. 2003), cert. denied, 124 S.Ct. 1061 (2004). Manders identified four factors to be considered in determining whether a defendant is an “arm of the state” for Eleventh Amendment purposes: “(1) how state law defines the entity; (2) what degree of control the State maintains over the entity; (3) where the entity derives its funds; and (4) who is responsible for 6 By its own terms, the Eleventh Amendment affords states immunity from suits, both legal and equitable. Ex Parte Young, 209 U.S. 123 (1908), recognizes an exception “for suits against state officers seeking prospective equitable relief to end continuing violations of federal law.” Summit Medical Assocs, P.C. v. Pryor, 180 F.3d 1326, 1336 (11th Cir. 1999) (emphasis in original). However, as already noted, Badillo has made no allegations of an “ongoing and continuous violation.” 6 judgments against the entity.” Manders, 338 F.3d at 1309. The first Manders factor addresses the manner in which the state defines the entity. Article V, Section 1 of the Florida Constitution provides, in part: The judicial power shall be vested in a supreme court, district courts of appeal, circuit courts and county courts. No other courts may be established by the state, any political subdivision or any municipality. The legislature shall, by general law, divide the state into appellate court districts and judicial circuits following county lines. Florida Statute § 26.01 divides the state into 20 judicial circuits. Additionally, Article V, Section 5 establishes the organization and jurisdiction of the circuit courts, and Article V, Section 8 sets forth the eligibility criteria for state judges,