Document: 500 U.S. 478 111 S.Ct. 1934 114 L.Ed.2d 547 Cathy BURNS, Petitionerv.Rick REED. No. 89-1715. Argued Nov. 28, 1990. Decided May 30, 1991. Syllabus Suspecting that petitioner Burns had multiple personalities, one of which shot her sons while they slept, Indiana police sought the advice respondent Reed, a state prosecutor, who told them could question under hypnosis. While hypnotized, referred to both herself and assailant as "Katie." Interpreting this support for their multiple-personality theory, officers detained again "probably probable cause" arrest her. During subsequent county court cause hearing on search warrant, testified, in response Reed's questioning, confessed shootings, but neither officer nor Reed informed judge "confession" was obtained hypnosis or otherwise consistently denied guilt. The warrant issued basis misleading presentation, charged with attempted murder, motion suppress statements given granted before trial, charges were dropped. She then filed suit 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against inter alios, alleging violations various rights Federal Constitution seeking compensatory punitive damages. District Court directed verdict, Appeals affirmed, holding he absolutely immune from liability giving legal his conduct at hearing. Held: A prosecuting attorney is damages participating hearing, not police. Pp. 484-496. (a) Imbler v. Pachtman, 424 409, 96 984, 47 128, held that, light immunity historically accorded prosecutors common law interests supporting immunity, are "initiating prosecution presenting State's case," id., 431, S.Ct., 995, insofar "intimately associated judicial phase criminal process," 430, 995. Subsequent decisions consistent functional approach have emphasized official absolute bears burden showing it justified by function question. See, e.g., Forrester White, 484 219, 224, 108 538, 542, 98 555. 484-487. (b) recognized applicable appearance application presentation evidence claims only presented false thereby facilitated issuance warrant. Such clearly addressed law, immunized like other lawyers, civil making, eliciting witnesses, defamatory proceedings, least so long related proceedings. Yaselli Goff, 12 F.2d 396, 401-402, summarily aff'd, 275 503, 48 155, 72 L.Ed. 395. Moreover, extended any tribunal performed function. ibid. In addition such common-law support, these circumstances policy concerns articulated Imbler. actions involve "role advocate State," see U.S., n. 33, rather than role "administrator investigative officer," protection reserved judgment Imbler, 430-431, 994-995, 33. since unquestionably act, appearing process." It also connected initiation prosecution, particularly where, here, occurs after arrest. Furthermore, pretrial appearances prosecutor taking action suspect present substantial likelihood vexatious litigation might an untoward effect prosecutor's independence, serves protecting process, 422-423, 991, which, event, check prosecutorial actions, 429, 994. 487-492. (c) However, has met relevant factors justify extension Neither below identified historical extension. American aware office public must guide Court, does license establish immunities what judges be sound policy. Nor do authorize circumstances. risk unavailing, defendant likely initiating conducting designed free every litigation-inducing conduct, harassment intimidation. qualified standard, today more protective officials time decided, provides ample all plainly incompetent those knowingly violate law. argument screening cases safe-guarding fairness process proves too much, almost said some way ultimate decision whether prosecute. implicitly rejected Mitchell Forsyth, 472 511, 105 2806, 86 411. although there several checks prevent abuses authority prosecutors, most important checks, will necessarily restrain out-of-court activities occur prior if eventually prosecuted. Advising case process" qualifies immunity. 492-496. 894 949, affirmed part reversed part. WHITE, J., delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., STEVENS, O'CONNOR, KENNEDY, SOUTER, JJ., joined. SCALIA, concurring dissenting part, BLACKMUN, joined, Part III MARSHALL, Michael K. Sutherlin, Indianapolis, Ind., Burns. Robert S. Spear, Asst. Atty. Gen., Rick Reed. Justice WHITE Court. 1 issue Seventh Circuit is. 949. We reverse 2 * facts dispute. On evening September 2, 1982, called Muncie, Indiana, reported unknown entered house, knocked unconscious, wounded two slept. Two officers, Paul Cox Donald Scroggins, assigned investigate incident. came view primary suspect, even though she passed polygraph examination voice stress test, submitted exculpatory handwriting samples, repeatedly shooting sons. 3 Speculating responsible decided interview They became concerned, however, unacceptable technique, therefore Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Richard Respondent proceed 4 hypnosis, "Katie" name. interpreted reference theory. As result, station respondent's about petitioner. After made See Tr. 108; 221. Based assurance, placed arrest.1 5 next day, Officer Scroggins appeared obtain petitioner's house car. children. 6 Petitioner murder Before trial dropped 7 January 31, 1985, United States Southern respondent, Officers others. alleged defendants liable violating Fourth, Fifth, Fourteenth Amendments Constitution, reached settlement defendants, proceeded respondent. case, finding conduct. 8 appealed Circuit. That affirmed. 949 (1990). "a should afforded legality prospective conduct." Id., 956. brief footnote, 955, 6. Because Courts divided regarding scope immunity,2 we certiorari. 497 ----, 110 3269, 779 II 9 Title written broad terms. purports subject "[e]very person" acting color depriving person "rights, privileges, secured laws."3 recognized, meant "to abolish wholesale immunities." Pierson Ray, 386 547, 554, 87 1213, 1218, 18 288 (1967). section read "in harmony general principles tort defenses derogation them." 418, 989, 128 (1976); Tenney Brandhove, 341 367, 376, 71 783, 788, 95 1019 (1951). addition, acknowledged "special functions," Butz Economou, 438 478, 508, 2894, 2911, 57 895 (1978), " 'better leave unredressed wrongs done dishonest try duty constant dread retaliation.' supra, 428, 994 (quoting Gregoire Biddle, 177 579, 581 (CA2 1949) (Hand, J.), cert. denied, 339 70 803, 94 1363 (1950)). 10 first suits 1983.4 Noting "predicated upon considered inquiry into behind it," stated "liability determined same manner." 421, 990. observed malicious defamation, knowing use testimony grand jury trial. 421-424, 426, 23, 990-992, 993, 23. 11 equally 1983. jurors, viewed necessary protect process. 991. Specifically, "concern unfounded would deflection energies duties, possibility shade instead exercising independence required trust." 423, declined accord because, among things, prosecutions "could expected frequency, often transform resentment being prosecuted ascription improper advocate," 425, 992; lawsuits divert prosecutors' attention energy away enforcing ibid.; difficulty meeting standards potential "would vigorous fearless performance essential proper functioning justice system," 427-428, 993-994. noted misconduct, including professional discipline, 13 Each involved having association, deliberate suppression evidence. expressly decide extends "those aspects responsibility cast him administrator advocate." though, "the duties State preliminary apart courtroom." 14 Decisions later employed Westfall Erwin, 292, 296, 3, 580, 583, 619 (1988); 555 Malley Briggs, 475 335, 342-343, 106 1092, 1097, 89 271 (1986); 520-523, 2812-2813, 411 (1985); Briscoe LaHue, 460 325, 103 1108, 75 (1983); Harlow Fitzgerald, 457 800, 102 2727, 73 396 (1982); (1978). These Forrester, 542; Malley, 340, 1095; Harlow, 812, 2735; Butz, 506, 2910. presumption sufficient government exercise duties. been "quite sparing" our recognition refused extend "further its justification warrant." 811, 2734. 15 now consider participation led existence A. 16 address lawyer where examined witness successfully supported leads conclusion 17 Initially, determine precise claim concerning An complaint, Circuit, questions Petition Writ Certiorari reveals challenged motivation outside courtroom relating Petitioner's complaint following regard hearing: 19 "Acting capacity . ., [respondent] when 22, 1982 full knowledge Defendant, DONALD SCROGGINS. direct examination, Prosecutor asked doing concert Defendants deliberately misled believing Plaintiff children." Complaint ¶ 9; 31. 20 Obviously, 21 When directing verdict continued stated: 22 "Finally, getting you can characterize proceeding [respondent]. And leading questions—and I think did—why, course, say that. But fact judge. No matter form was, testifying officer. job deputy Even fragmentary didn't go far enough, did duties." 23 This interpretation further confirmed Circuit's summary appeal: 24 "The acts proposed hearing." F.2d, 950 (emphasis added). 25 Finally, "question presented" limited 26 "II. Is entitled seeks intentionally fails fully inform failing arrested confession yet persistently committing crime hypnosis?" Pet. Cert. i 27 Therefore, courts below, hearing.5 28 challenge similar (1983). There, plaintiff's based allegation perjured witnesses proceedings "even knew malice." 332, 1114. 29 Like lawyers making (at proceeding), witnesses. 401-402 1926), 395 (1927); Youmans Smith, 153 N.Y. 214, 219-220, N.E. 265 (1897); Griffith Slinkard, 146 Ind. 117, 122, 44 1001, 1002 (1896); Marsh Ellsworth, 50 309, 312-313 (1872); Jennings Paine, Wis. 358 (1855); Hoar Wood, Mass. 193, 197-198 (1841). King Skinner, Lofft 55, 56, Eng. Rep. 529, 530 (K.B.1772), Lord Mansfield "neither party, witness, counsel, jury, Judge put answer, civilly criminally, words spoken office." 30 "any perform[ed] function." W. Prosser, Law Torts 94, pp. 826-827 (1941); Veeder, Absolute Immunity Defamation, Colum.L.Rev. 463, 487-488 (1909). (1927), example, Second jury. also, Griffith, N.E., 1002; Schultz Strauss, 127 N.W. 1066 (1906).6 31 believe case. prosecution." 32 here—appearing warrant—clearly 33.7 Stump Sparkman, 435 349, 363, 12, 1099, 55 331 arrest, here. 33 indicate, prosecutor. underlies much Court's 226, 543; Briscoe, 334-335, 1115. available "[T]he safeguards built system tend reduce need private means controlling unconstitutional 512, 2913. Mitchell, 522-523, 2813. 34 Accordingly, hold protected B 35 Turning providing police, note extending prosecutors. Indeed, "review yield act officers." 955. 36 observe purported provide '[w]henever nature imposed officer.' Ibid. 121, 1002). reasoned "of nature" because is, judge, render opinions believe, advising Absent tradition comparable formed inclined 342, 1096. 37 States, amicus curiae, argues absence here determinative largely English 18th 19th centuries investigatory role, today. Brief Amicus Curiae 20-21. persuaded. First, determinative, Anderson Creighton, 483 635, 644, 107 3034, 3041, 97 523 (1987), known 990-992. Second, contours immunity" mirror Anderson, 645, 3042, look history guidance "not make freewheeling choice," discern Congress' intent enacting "We policy." Tower Glover, 467 914, 922-923, 104 2820, 2825-2826, 81 758 (1984). Thus, "[s]ince statute [§ 1983] face immunities, going 1871." 38 factor considered—risk advice. asserted becoming entangled advisor risks case." 955-956. disagree. place, prosecution. carry burdensome litigation, concern merely generalized interference official's closely intimidation litigation. 543. justifies 39 speculated anything short discourage performing "vital obligation" standard decided.8 "As defense evolved, law." 341, 1096; 524, 2814. Although may carefully, '[w]here know statutory constitutional rights, hesitate.' 819, 2738). incongruous allow Cf. 505-506, Ironically, mean ordinarily degrees, established not. 40 roles safeguarding 15-18. argument, much. Almost purely activity, prosecute, never indicated expansive. Rather, inquire States' Attorney General authorizing warrantless wiretap. wiretap arguably found "was capacity" thus 521, 2812. 41 final allowing advice, agree, true circumstances, subjected "crucible 440, 999 (WHITE, judgment). sum, conclude police.9 IV 43 For foregoing reasons, affirm Appeals. ordered. 45 whom BLACKMUN joins, MARSHALL joins III, 46 concur issues reaches: agree officers. write separately makes claim, ought consider, violation occurred proceeding. My understanding practice, governs exists 1983, enjoyed portion grounds granted. face, "every deprives another held, preserves traditionally (1951), legislators suits. Observing legislative dating 1689, 372-376, 786-788, "believe Congress impinge well grounded reason overt inclusion" language 1871 statute." 788. 554-555, 1217-1218, (1967), "equally established" specifically provided wished doctrine" 330-334, 1113-1115, (1983), thought (as 1871) condition Scheuer Rhodes, 416 232, 1683, 90 (1974), one: 49 "Our initial claiming point counterpart privilege asserts. If 'an Civil Rights Act enacted 1871, considers 1983's purposes nonetheless counsel recognizing actions.' 339-340, 1095, (1986), quoting 920, 2824, Where exist grant supra; Tower, Pulliam Allen, 466 522, 1970, 80 565 presumed eliminate traditional limiting categorical statute. 2825-2826. "[O]ur interpret choice." 1096.1 51 therefore, "[o]ur inquiry," 339, crucial question," Pulliam, 1974, "whether [the asserted]," 52 Since my record requires me reach difficult analyze set forth detail immunities. cited, found, single pre-1871 functions contested previously 990, years enactment recognize categories argued, arisen. are: 53 (1) Judicial Immunity. functions. T. Cooley, 408-409 (1880). narrowly speaking, 54 "military naval order courts-martial inferiors, putting inferiors trial; petit jurors discharge such; assessors valuing property purpose levy taxes; commissioners appointed appraise taken right eminent domain; empowered lay out, alter, discontinue highways; highway deciding exemption road tax exempt, default worked out assessment; members township board allowance claims; arbitrators, collector customs sell perishable property, fixing notice sale." 410-411 (footnotes omitted). evident catalog, citizens (in particular arbitrators); touchstone applicability resolving disputes between parties, authoritatively adjudicating rights. Steele Dunham, 393, 396-397 (1870) ("The [of assessors] hear testimony; ascertain facts; correct errors, arrive results, according very processes determination causes; hence judicially."); Barhyte Shepherd, 238, 241-242 (1866); Wall Trumbull, Mich. 228, 235-237 (1867); E. Weeks, Damnum absque Injuria 209-210 (1879). 56 (2) Quasi-judicial This, unlike servants, "quasi-judicial" acts—that involving discretion consisting adjudication. qualified, i.e., defeated malice. Billings Lafferty, Ill. 318, 322 (1863) (clerk court); Conway, Mo. 44-52 (1854) (surveyor-general); 210 8; J. Bishop, Commentaries Non-Contract 786, 365-366, (1889); 411-413. doubt functions, existed modern quasi-judicial (wherefore cf. Pierson, 557, 1219). Wight Rindskopf, 344, 354 (1877) (prosecutor dismiss pending case). characterization (3) Defamation At course privileged defamation. Townshend, Slander Libel 347-367 (2d ed. 1872); §§ 295-300, 123-125. ordinary sued all; complaining (i.e., party bringing suit) turn claimant's status officer, parties served extended, 58 view, claims: gave incorrect elicited first, defamation applicable, said) second, immunize in-court statements. evidence, 357-358, accordingly applies 59 Unlike disposes claims. asserts "petitioner Ante, 487. looks solely complaint. comes us considered. 60 "When raised pleadings tried express implied consent shall treated respects pleadings. amendment conform time, judgment; failure amend affect result issues." Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 15(b). 61 Reviewing whole appears approving application. heard testified trial: 62 "Q: [by counsel] tell who, procedures just described, sole exclusive power seek approve warrant? 63 THE WITNESS: Who power? 64 [PETITIONER'S COUNSEL]: Yes. 65 A: deputies." 5. follows: 66 Can give details relied 67 "A: don't wanted went ask request on. 68 Do remember answering interrogatories June 1985? 69 Yes, do. (Reading) 'Q: List each item warrant?. 'A: statement accused implausible, insufficient injury substantiate story assailant, sister-in-law verified .22 caliber pistol, disposed tallied weapon guilt, failed test.' "(Reading concludes) 74 "Is your answer? want it?" 144-145 Stonebraker, liaison office, testified: 'The me, superiors [prosecutor's office].' Deposition Jack Plaintiff's Exhibit A, p. 18. 76 hypnotically induced inadmissible, 29. Given judge's without approval, conflicting decision, contained find wrongfully initiated search-warrant setting aside adequately second asks "when circumstances]." plausible challenging apply hearing; arguments reading. petition certiorari, "securing warrant," opening cite approval applications activity. 6-7; 10-11 (both citing Liffiton Keuker, 850 1988) McSurely McClellan, 225 U.S.App.D.C. 67, 697 309 (1982)). evidently understood (or, calls it, "screening" function) issue, detail. 23-25. 77 utmost clarity, sufficiently us. no discussed above, maliciously procuring species (an unintentional tort) intentional F. Wharton, Criminal 234 (7th rev. 1874); Carey Sheets, 375, 378 unavailable defense. undertook adjudication clear party's enjoy "judicial" see, Miller Brown, (1832); 378-379, why differently. entirely plain enacted, 78 additional few needed, indictment maliciously. developed logical extrapolation then-established not, reasons employ methodology here,2 remains books, stare decisis abandon it. akin indictment, alone suit. policeman desire "is removed indictment." 1096-1097. mere still. follow policeman, Malley. "it [is] performed, identity actor perform[s] inform[s] analysis." 229, 545, (1988) (denying non-judicial act); Ex parte Virginia, 100 348, 676 (1880) ("Whether [a judge] character, character agent."). 79 dissent Following psychiatric ward hospital four months. discharged employment, temporary custody medical experts concluded released. (1976), "investigative" "administrative" acts. courts, differed draw line unprotected activities. split Compare Wolfenbarger Williams, 826 930, 937 (CA10 1987), (CA7 1990) (case below); Marx Gumbinner, 855 790 (CA11 1988); Myers Morris, 810 1437, 1449-1451 (CA8), 828, 97, (1987). Section originated full: "Every statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, usage, Territory Columbia, subjects, causes subjected, citizen within jurisdiction thereof deprivation laws, injured equity, redress. section, exclusively Columbia Columbia." Rev.Stat. 1979, amended, federal aff'g 1926). persuaded SCALIA's attempt post, 501-504. snippet 145, either impliedly consented procurement 504, irrelevant. 330-331, 9, 1113, (1983) availability accusations inapposite petitioners during state-court trial"). There widespread agreement juries. Buckley Fitzsimmons, 919 1230, 1243 1990); Grant Hollenbach, 870 1135, 1139 (CA6 1989); Baez Hennessy, 853 73, 74-75 Morrison Baton Rouge, 761 242 (CA5 1985); Gray Bell, 229 176, 188, 37, 712 490, 502, 465 1100, 1593, 125 described procedure warrants. Her description revealing connection function: "A. call affidavit cause. certain apprise convince issued. closed-door locked county. Witnesses convincing many "Q. Thank you, Judge. instances, information personal testimony, sworn testimony? "THE "MR. SUTHERLIN: deputies. possible directly No." 4-5 focus (1982), "completely reformulated immunity," replacing subjective objective allows violates "clearly reasonable known." 818, 2738. change "specifically 'avoid excessive disruption permit resolution insubstantial judgment,' goal." 1096, 2814, (1985). satisfies principal underlying 419, 13, 13. Of rendering views merits Our treatment different. beyond Those technically distinguishable, created inferred Bivens Six Unknown Narcotics Agents, 403 388, 91 1999, (1971). nothing distinction, holdings. mistake expand contrary precedent above respect consequences severe. quite liberally, occasion further. exceedingly rare, rewriting indeed. applied, prevail, post-1871 obtaining Cases considering conclusions. Manley, 181 Wash. 327, 331, P.2d 39, (1935) (absolute immunity) Cashen Spann, N.J. 541, 551, 334 A.2d 8, (1975) (qualified immunity); Torres Glasgow, N.M. 412, 417, 456 886, 891 (1969) (extent unclear). Suits policemen warrants generally deny ex rel. Hedgepeth Swanson, 223 N.C. 442, 444-445, S.E.2d 123 (1943); Peterson Cleaver, 124 Or. 559, P. 432 (1928). Motley Dugan, 191 S.W.2d 979, 982 (Mo.App.1945) warrant); Kidd Reynolds, Tex.Civ.App. 355, 358, S.W. 600, 601 (1899) (same).

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