Document: 451 U.S. 527 101 S.Ct. 1908 68 L.Ed.2d 420 Robert PARRATT and Francis Lugenbill, Petitioners,v.Bert TAYLOR, Jr. No. 79-1734. Argued March 2, 1981. Decided May 18, Syllabus Respondent, an inmate of a Nebraska prison, ordered by mail certain hobby materials. After being delivered to the packages containing materials were lost when normal procedure for receipt was not followed. Respondent brought action in Federal District Court under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against petitioners prison officials recover value materials, claiming that had negligently thereby deprived respondent property without due process law violation Fourteenth Amendment. The entered summary judgment respondent, holding negligent actions state can be basis 1983, immune from liability, deprivation implicated rights. Appeals affirmed. Held : has stated claim relief 1983. Pp. 531-544. (a) In any initial inquiry must focus on whether two essential elements are present: (1) conduct complained committed person acting color law; (2) this rights, privileges, or immunities secured Constitution laws United States. 531-535. (b) Although been law, he sufficiently alleged Due Process Clause did occur as result some established procedure, but unauthorized failure agents follow procedure. Moreover, tort claims which provides remedy persons who have suffered tortious loss at hands State, use. Such could fully compensated his sufficient satisfy requirements process. 535-544. 8th Cir., 620 F.2d 307, reversed. J. Kirk Brown, Lincoln, Neb., petitioners. Kevin Colleran, respondent. [Amicus Curiae Information pages 528-529 intentionally omitted] Justice REHNQUIST opinion Court. 1 is Penal Correctional Complex valued $23.50. suit their value. At first blush one might well inquire why federal court damages such small amount property, because 28 1343, predicate jurisdiction States Court, contains no minimum dollar limitation, authorized Congress bring section if met its claimed rights Amendment Constitution. More specifically, law.1 2 Eighth Circuit affirmed per curiam order. 307 (1980). We granted certiorari. 449 917, 315, 66 145 3 * facts underlying dispute seriously contested. paid with drafts drawn account officials. arrived complex signed employees worked center. One civilian other inmate. segregation time permitted Normal procedures handling upon arrival they either prisoner signs package notified pick up sign receipt. No than whom addressed supposed package. released segregation, contacted several regarding whereabouts packages. never able locate determine what caused disappearance. 4 1976, commenced petitioners, Warden Hobby Manager seeking petitioners' negligence. him chose proceed 1343 even though State provided losses State. 5 On October 25, 1978, respondent's motion judgment. ruled 1983; kind; kit "implicate[d] rights." explained: 6 "This situation where confiscated contraband. negligence failing own policies concerning distribution resulted personal [respondent], should go redress." App. Pet. Cert. 9. II 7 best all possible worlds, Court's above-quoted statement redress would admirable provision contained code governed administration justice civil-law jurisdiction. For better worse, however, our traditions arise common case-by-case reasoning establishment precedent. 49 50 common-law system, modified statute, constitutional amendment, judicial decision governs. Coexisting make it up, supreme over them extent authority Art. IV Constitution, National Government. early period history Nation, held there crimes, v. Hudson & Goodwin, Cranch 32 (1812), since Erie R. Co. Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 L.Ed. 1188 (1938), general applicable courts merely reason diversity-of-citizenship Therefore, order properly decide case we deal simply single, principle, just principle may abstract, interplay statutes, form litigation. 8 Because limited jurisdiction, look Act confers district court. enactment found pertinent part: 9 "The shall original civil person: 10 11 "(3) To deprivation, ordinance, regulation, custom usage, right, privilege immunity providing equal citizens within States." 12 statute conferring turn closely related action. Section year question: 13 "Every who, custom, usage Territory, subjects, causes subjected, citizen thereof laws, liable party injured equity, proper proceeding 14 While twice certiorari cases mere will support see Procunier Navarette, 434 555, 98 855, 55 24 (1978), Baker McCollan, 443 137, 99 2689, 61 433 (1979), each those unnecessary issue. Procunier, supra, regardless complaint framed terms relief, defendants clearly entitled qualified therefore damages. Baker, occurred, part actor rendered deprivation. These decisions, aided various Courts struggle correct manner analyze present allege commonly thought normally dealt courts, instead couched sought diversity approaches legion. See, e. g. Williams Kelley, 624 695 (CA5 1980); Beard Mitchell, 604 485 (CA7 1979); Fulton Market Cold Storage Cullerton, 582 1071 1978); O'Grady Montpelier, 573 747 (CA2 Bonner Coughlin, 517 1311 1975), en banc, 545 565 (1976); Hampton Holmesburg Prison Officials, 546 1077 (CA3 1976); Jones Marshall, 528 132 1975); Diamond Thompson, 523 1201 Kimbrough O'Neil, 1057 Carter Estelle, 519 1136 Pitts Griffin, 518 72 (CA8 Russell Bodner, 489 280 1973); Johnson Glick, 481 1028 McCray Maryland, 456 (CA4 1972); Carlson, 144 U.S.App.D.C. 388, 447 358 (1971); Madison Manter, 441 537 (CA1 1971); Howard Swenson, 426 277 1970); Whirl Kern, 407 781 1968); Striker Pancher, 317 780 (CA6 1963). We, therefore, once more put shoulder wheel hoping greater assistance confronting fact appears past. 15 Nothing language legislative limits solely intentional deprivations suggested wrong opposed foreclose possibility 16 "[T]he question allegation simple cause elusive blush. It susceptible uniform answer across entire spectrum conceivable violations subject action." U.S., 139-140, S.Ct., 2692-2693. 17 unlike criminal counterpart, 18 242, contain state-of-mind requirement.2 recognized much Monroe Pape, 365 167, 81 473, 492 (1961), explained after extensively reviewing "[i]t abundantly clear legislation passed afford right because, prejudice, passion, neglect, intolerance otherwise, enforced enjoyment privileges guaranteed denied agencies." Id., 180, 480. 19 distinguishing counterpart earlier issue Screws States, 325 91, 65 1031, 89 1495 (1945), stated: 20 "In imposed penalties acts 'willfully' done. construed word setting mean doing act 'a specific intent deprive right.' 103, [65 1036]. do think gloss [§ 1983] here. does appear 1983]. remedy, while challenged grounds vagueness. [Section read background liability makes man responsible natural consequences actions." 187, 91 494. 21 Both McCollan Pape suggest affords "civil remedy" federally protected express requirement particular mind. Accordingly, III 22 Since longer questioned satisfies "under law" requirement. Petitioners were, all, positions considerable authority. They contend otherwise. Our inquiry, second requirement—whether privilege, 23 only alleges "his violated. That Law." 8. As such, differ before us involved Fourth Amendment, presented Estelle Gamble, 429 97, 97 285, 251 (1976), these Amendments virtue adoption See Mapp Ohio, 367 643, 1684, 1081 (1961); Robinson California, 370 660, 1417, 758 (1962). here refers simpliciter. text provides: "Section 1. All born naturalized thereof, wherein reside. enforce abridge States; nor life, liberty, ; deny protection laws." (Emphasis supplied.) 25 Unquestionably, three prerequisites valid claim: acted falls definition property; loss, caused, amounted deprivation.3 Standing alone, establish protects "without law." 145, 2695. law. particular, remedies means procedural 26 This directly employee takes property. requires predeprivation hearing interferes liberty interest enjoyed citizens. most cases, pursuant "process" offered actual took place. example, Mullane Central Hanover Trust Co., 339 306, 70 652, 94 865 (1950), struck down New York allowed trust company, settlement accounts, give notice publication beneficiaries known. situations required "when person's gesture process." 657. recently, Bell Burson, 402 535, 1586, 29 90 (1971), reviewed taking driver's license registration uninsured motorist accident. often livelihood summarily taken prior hearing. Fuentes Shevin, 67, 92 556 (1972), Florida prejudgment replevin creditors obtain writs ex parte proceedings. seize debtor's possession. also Boddie Connecticut, 401 371, 780, 113 Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 1011, 287 (1970); Sniadach Family Finance Corp., 395 337, 1820, 349 (1969). require serve check wrongful occur. 27 have, postdeprivation made available Clause. opportunity heard pretermitted remedy. North American Chicago, 211 101, 53 195 (1908), upheld destroy unwholesome food preseizure erroneous destruction outweighed public health emergency justified immediate owner incident. Ewing Mytinger Casselberry, Inc., 594, 870, 1088 Fifth seizure drugs Similarly, Fahey Mallonee, 332 245, 67 1552, 2030 (1947), economic harm justify substantial questions raised about competence bank's management. Bowles Willingham, 321 503, 64 641, 88 892 (1944), face challenge Administrator Office Price Administration rent control orders landlords regulation fixing rents became effective. Corn Exchange Bank Coler, 218, 94, 74 378 (1930); McKay McInnes, 279 820, 344, 73 975 (1929); Coffin Brothers Bennett, 29, 48 422, 768 (1928); Ownbey Morgan, 256 41 433, 837 (1921). recognize necessity quick impracticality meaningful process, coupled availability assess propriety State's taking, process.4 Mitchell W. T. Grant 416 600, 1895, 40 406 (1974): "Petitioner asserts possession way disturbed nonetheless mandated long line culminating 337 [89 349] (1969), [92 556] (1972). pre-Sniadach said petitioner hold 'the precede private property.' Their import, so it: stand proposition finally need pretermination full post-termination provided. usual rule '[w]here involved, postponement enquiry denial given ultimate determination adequate.' Phillips Commissioner, 283 589, 596-597 [51 608, 611, 75 1289] (1931)." 1902. (footnote omitted). past mandate kind deprives interests. fundamental "opportunity manner." Armstrong Manzo, 380 545, 552, 85 1187, 1191, 62 (1965). However, many above recognize, rejected "at manner" always provide property.5 rejection based impracticability state-authorized assumption available. 30 justifications uphold takings involving prisoner's random employee. case, cannot predict precisely difficult conceive how although attributable "color law," almost beyond Indeed, impracticable, impossible, mean, course, take excused prior-hearing rested subsequent liabilities. 31 A remarkably similar cert. denied, 435 932, 1507, 529 (1978). There, "made leaving door Plaintiff's cell open, others remove trial transcript cell." F.2d, 1318. recovery Then Judge Stevens, writing panel Seventh Circuit, decided "whether 'without law.' " Ibid. He concluded: "It seems important difference between lacking damage arising out misconduct officers. former literal reading Amendment's prohibition 'State' latter situation, 'under of' amendment into play, necessarily complete. Illinois provides, substance, plaintiff whole occasioned guards. reasonably conclude, existence adequate inflicted officers avoids conclusion meaning Amendment." 1319. 33 believe analysis recited approach this. quite consistent Ingraham Wright, 430 651, 1401, 51 711 (1977), confronted corporal punishment schools violated Arguably, egregious inasmuch faced both (as conduct) liberty. reasoned: 34 'At point benefit additional safeguard individual affected . society increased assurance just, cost.' Mathews Eldridge, 424 348 [96 909]. reached case. view low incidence abuse, openness schools, safeguards already exist, risk error schoolchild's substantive regarded minimal. Imposing administrative reduce marginally, entail significant intrusion area primary educational responsibility." 682, 1418. 35 Application principles leads conclude occurred There contention themselves inadequate practicable receive Neb.Rev.Stat. 81-8,209 et seq. (1976). Through hears pays prisoners housed penal institutions. use it. argued adequately protect interests employees, provisions punitive damages, jury. proceeded suffered, 36 today cases. accept argument constituted turning every injury official cognizable hard perceive logical stopping place reasoning. Presumably, rationale nothing automobile accident "would font superimposed whatever systems administered Paul Davis, 693, 701, 96 1155, 1160, 47 405 drafters intended play role society. 37 38 Reversed. 39 STEWART, concurring. me extremely doubtful here, presumably agents, addressed. If is, then too resulting collision vehicle operated official. trivialize, grossly distort But sense, By making reparations done context. understanding, I join 43 WHITE, 44 reservations my Brother BLACKMUN concurring opinion. 45 BLACKMUN, 46 write separately emphasize understanding narrow reach. concerns supervisory personnel, whose "negligence" assumed but, record, actually proved. life Cf. Moore East Cleveland, 431 494, 1932, 52 531 (1977). understand intimate sole content regularity. continue governmental that, undertaken panoply protection, are, themselves, antithetical notions g., Roe Wade, 410 113, 93 705, 137 (1973). Most importantly, "postdeprivation remedies," ante, 538, system cure unconstitutional nature official's "random unauthorized" "provide place," 541, rare same employees. When institute direct officials, required, matter so. (1969); (1972); (1970). majority inflicting violate tribunals deliberately of, speaks. POWELL, result. presents sue alleging shipments mailed prison's warden "hobby manager." Unlike constitute provide. concur begins "unquestionable" "the deprivation." Ante, 536-537. goes reject theory satisfied "postdeprivation" redress—here ground reasons. First, passes threshold question—whether results constitutes purposes.1 Second, so, suggests narrow, wholly limitation central unintentional causing actionable view, element claim, applying Equal Protection Clause2 "cruel unusual punishment."3 "a action," 2692-2693, (1979). Rather, close attention asserted determining necessary violation. area, "deprivation" lose Nevertheless, act, unintended works sense. Thus, compensation constitutionally required. connotes denying something someone, or, very least, deliberate prevent loss.4 reasonable interpretation limit active deprivations.5 adopted overwhelming number lower premised inquiring sufficiency States.6 addition, avoid trivializing enacted deter real abuses exercise powers. sense open lawsuits affirmative abuse power, deed happens n. 12, infra.7 54 unconcerned prospect, probably implicit belief relegate nonfederal forums. "make whenever failed invasions interests.8 despite breadth numerous supposed. InKent Prasse, 385 1967) (per curiam), forced work faulty machine, sustained injury, Third noted unfortunately, "Nor itself, show invasion dispositive, note bad motive. Nor [is it] defendants." 407.9 56 Rather reasoning, adopt inquiries existence, adequacy, remedies. 57 another advantage; somewhat disturbing implication scope guarantees. analyzes created Finding adequate, further limitations located 712-714, 1165-67 (assessing "substantive aspects Amendment"); 679, 47, 1416, (1977) (leaving "corporal school child rise independent vindicate Clause"). imposes circumstances10 extend malicious liberty11 property,12 fails altogether discuss guarantees consider implicates Clause, certainly violative concludes And yet entirely conduct. 59 sum, evident today, viewed compatible precedents, creates new uncertainties invitations litigate burst historical bounds.13 60 MARSHALL, dissenting part. insofar holds 534-535. agree preclude finding company majority, state-law My disagreement shortcomings procedure.1 problem majority's application legal significant, access information confinement. Furthermore, informed seek filing apparent significance light pursued missing through grievance procedure.2 this, obligation inform aggrieved fail rely alternatives represent 63 affirm Appeals. Board Regents Roth, 408 564, 2701, 548 "are dimensions defined existing rules understandings stem source law—rules secure benefits entitlement benefits." 577, 2709. contended enjoy question. Title 242 "Whoever, willfully subjects inhabitant fined $1,000 imprisoned year, both; death imprisonment term years life." argue evidence record merit arguments. personally basic subordinates which, followed, ensured delivery past, refused theories respondeat superior. Monell City Dept. Social Services, 436 658, 2018, 611 (1978); Rizzo Goode, 423 362, 598, 561 hand, indication ever Certainly, context little factual development level, purposes contributed loss. Arnett Kennedy, 134, 1633, (1974), WHITE importance referring cases: "While indicate demanded immediately, reaffirm time." 179, 1656 (concurring part). 319, 893, (1976): recent increasingly occasion evidentiary type thereafter. 266-271, 1019-1022, approximating necessary. requiring spoken sparingly requisite procedures." 333, 902. Assuming protection. 674-682, 1414-1418, (common-law students). Washington 229, 2040, 597 Arlington Heights Metropolitan Housing Dev. 252, 450 (invidious discriminatory purpose racial discrimination Clause). 105, 291, "deliberate indifference serious illness injury" "infliction" cruel "accident, produce added anguish, alone characterized wanton infliction pain." Gamble thus supports Clause—which consideration effect According Webster's International Dictionary English Language (2d ed. 1945), "deprive" "dispossess; bereave; divest; hinder possessing; debar; shut out." analogous contexts, relevant factor Lovasco, 783, 790, 2044, 2048, 752 preindictment prosecutorial delay, "proof prejudice generally reasons delay accused." occurring sheriff arrested named arrest warrant realize itself person. mind defendant id., 140, 1, 2692, went reasoned duty investigate "every innocence," 146, 2695, "error-free investigation claim," ibid. relied relying facially warrant, implicitly cause. sure, linked state-created duties powers "state 10, infra. 1980), pending, 80-6165; 1976) (en banc), Harper Cserr, 544 1121, 1124 Vincent, 508 1974); Jenkins Averett, 1228, 1232 Kent ). 698, 1159, (1976) (suggesting favor survivors innocent bystander mistakenly shot policeman killed driving government vehicle"). other, previously expressed prospect become litigation torts. damaging reputation citizen, "liberty" principally individual's accorded "legal guarantee enjoyment" "simply [of interests] 711-712, 1165. Attention "guarantees" least appropriate "property." interferences others. Davis suggest, free interference "guaranteed" perhaps constitutionalize criminalizing negligence, extending interference. Instead, victims. draws distinction injuries thefts assaults. purely worth noting. negligence—the exact validated today. "[i]n event, state, 407. absence heart one's lawmakers, suit. Tenney Brandhove, 341 367, 71 95 1019 (1951) (legislators); Edelman Jordan, 415 662-663, 1347, 1355, 662 (1974) (Eleventh bars suits court). plaintiffs claim—where exist. possibility. Another example Hamilton Stover, 80-1419 (filed Feb. 20, 1981), police car car. unpublished order, Sixth dismissal policeman, 636 1217 brief points employing municipality possess absolute Ohio Rev. Code 701.02 responding call. cutting off remedies, Even action" implicate guarantees, of" "torts officials" "acts color' 109, 1039, (1945) (plurality Douglas, J.) (discussing analogue 1983—now codified 242). Actionable '[m]isuse possessed wrongdoer clothed (quoting Classic, 313 299, 326, 1043, 1368 (1941)). Screws, 1051 (Rutledge, J., result) (the "right officer office power ") (emphasis added). Where ways equally citizens, issues raised. Douglas assaulted, injured, murdered 108, 1038. Rochin 342 165, 205, 183 (1952); Hall Tawney, 621 607, 613 1980) (corporal students "amounted brutal inhumane literally shocking conscience"); Bellows Dainack, 555 1105, 1106, 1977) (use excessive force during course process). 1059, 1061 banc) ("a (or reckless disregard) claimant's agent violates 1983"); 1136, 1136-1137 1975) curiam) (same). San Diego Gas Electric Diego, 621, 656, 23, 1287, 1306, 551 (1981) (BRENNAN, dissenting) (when furtherance "public use", entity pay [but] landowner nevertheless violation"). 1871 statutes implement remained little-used, little-known Code. decades, resourceful counsel receptive extended reach vastly. understood commendable confined 1871. result, major individuals corporations. Professor Christina Whitman recently expansion comprehensive assessment arguable pluses minuses. Whitman, Constitutional Torts, 79 Mich.L.Rev. pluses, striking escalation local augmented noted, petitions 218 1966 11,195 1979. 6. Annual Report Director Administrative (1980), reporting increase 12,397 1980. societal costs using contemplated high indeed: "First, statutory [through caseload overburdened courts. dilutes ability defend [such] displaces lawmaking diverting decision-making courts." 25. $23 illustrates trivialized, converted small-claims tribunals. justification court, appeal appeals, potentially, petition claimants disputes resolved years, particularly designed utilized way. Congress, recognizing respect petitions, last Civil Rights Institutionalized Persons Act, Pub.L. 96-247, Stat. 349, authorizing days allow recourse procedures, certified Attorney General determined compliance insubstantial requirements. 7, 1997e (1976 ed., Supp. IV). continues resort kind. increasing damages-suit inability identify applied consistently, come revision century-old statute—a clarify preserving function protecting unlawful afforded 543-544. "they 544. fact, raise rehearing filed

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