Document: 509 U.S. 259 113 S.Ct. 2606 125 L.Ed.2d 209 Stephen BUCKLEY, Petitionerv.Michael FITZSIMMONS et al. No. 91-7849. Argued Feb. 22, 1993. Decided June 24, Syllabus* the police — undermined its initial holding. Held: Respondents are not entitled to absolute immunity. Pp. ____. (a) Certain immunities were so well established when § 1983 was enacted that this Court presumes Congress would have specifically provided had it wished abolish them. Most public officials only qualified However, sometimes their actions fit within a common-law tradition of Whether they do is determined by nature function performed, identity actor who performed it, Forrester v. White, 484 219, 229, 108 538, 545, 98 555, and available for conduct prosecutors "intimately associated with judicial phase criminal process." Imbler Pachtman, 424 409, 430, 96 984, 995, 47 128. (b) Acts undertaken prosecutor in preparing initiation proceedings or trial, which occur course his role as an advocate State, protections endeavoring determine whether bootprint been made Buckley, respondents acting advocates but investigators searching clues corroboration might give them probable cause recommend arrest. Such activities immune from liability at common law. If officers detectives, such be immunity; same immunity applies performing those actions. Convening grand jury consider evidence work produced does retroactively transform administrative into prosecutorial. (c) Fitzsimmons' statements media also There no prosecutor's out-of-court press, and, under Imbler, comments functional tie process just because prosecutor. Nor policy considerations support extending press statements, since has license establish interests what judges sound policy, presumption rather than sufficient protect government exercise duties. 952 F.2d 965 (CA7 1992), reversed remanded. STEVENS, J., delivered opinion unanimous respect Parts I, II, III, IV-B, IV-A V, BLACKMUN, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, THOMAS, JJ., joined. filed concurring opinion. KENNEDY, part dissenting part, REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE SOUTER, George F. Taylor, Jr., Chicago, IL, petitioner. James G. Sotos, Itasca, respondent. Jeffrey P. Minear, Washington, DC, amicus curiae special leave Court. Justice STEVENS 1 In action brought 42 U.S.C. 1983, petitioner seeks damages respondent allegedly fabricating during preliminary investigation crime making false conference announcing return indictment. The questions presented absolutely on either both these claims. 2 As case comes us, we occasion some all respondents' may protected Moreover, make two important assumptions about case: first, petitioner's allegations entirely true; second, allege constitutional violations provides remedy. Our statement facts therefore derived complaint limited matters relevant claim 3 * Petitioner commenced March 4, 1988, following release jail DuPage County, Illinois. He incarcerated there three years charges growing out highly publicized murder Jeanine Nicarico, 11-year-old child, February 25, 1983. named 17 defendants, including Sheriff seven assistants, expert witnesses estate third, five respondents. 4 Respondent Fitzsimmons duly elected County State's Attorney time Nicarico through December 1984, he succeeded Ryan, defeated him Republican primary election 21, 1984. Knight assistant state's attorney served Ryan. Kilander (who came office Ryan) King prosecutors, assigned case. 5 theory order obtain indictment engendered "extensive publicity" "intense emotions community," fabricated evidence, gain votes, arrest 12 days before election. claims misconduct created "highly prejudicial inflamed atmosphere" seriously impaired fairness against innocent man caused suffer serious loss freedom, mental anguish, humiliation. 6 related door home apparently left killer kicked door. After separate studies experts Crime Lab, Illinois Department Law Enforcement, Kansas Bureau Identification, whom unable reliable connection between print pair boots voluntarily supplied, obtained "positive identification" one Louise Robbins, anthropologist North Carolina known her willingness fabricate unreliable testimony. Her early stages investigation, being conducted joint supervision direction sheriff Fitzsimmons, whose essentially investigatory functions.1 7 Thereafter, having failed (or anyone else's) arrest, convened sole purpose investigating 8-month heard testimony over 100 witnesses, experts, still On January 27, admitted insufficient indict rape Nicarico. Although additional interim, returned March, held defamatory shortly then arrested, meet bond (set $3 million), jail. 8 Petitioner's trial began 10 months later, 1985. principal anthropologist. Because reach verdict petitioner, judge declared mistrial. remained prison more years, third party confessed prepared retrial. Robbins died, however, dropped. released, action. II 9 We concerned asserted defense immunity), (whose granted District Court, App. 53-57), motion dismiss other grounds id., 57-61). At issue here moved based except conference. Id., 53. With alleged fabrication framed question effort "to definitive boot linking [petitioner crime] acquisition evaluation initiating 45. concluded "appears" evaluative acquisitive. Both appealed, divided panel Appeals Seventh Circuit ruled Buckley 919 1230 (1990). Appeals' view, "damages remedies unnecessary," 1240, "[c]ourts can curtail costs prosecutorial blunders . cutting short prosecution mitigating effects," 1241. Thus, "out-of-court acts injury extent proceeds" court, 1242, "the defendant must look court pends interests," By contrast, if "a wrong complete begins," 1241-1242. Applying unprecedented allegations, neither nor any independent trial. 1243, 1244.2 11 Judge Fairchild dissented part. agreed statements. noted majority examine particular performing, conducting among functions entitle branch immunity." 1246 (opinion part). Responding directly majority's reasoning, wrote: "It true procedures afforded our system justice good chance avoid results publicity excessive bail, difficulty inability selecting impartial jury, like. These reduce cost impropriety prosecutor, I find courts recognized availability reason conferring Ibid. 13 Buckley's petition certiorari, vacated judgment, remanded further light intervening decision Burns Reed, 500 ----, 111 1934, 114 547 (1991). 502 112 40, 116 19 remand, panel, again divided, reaffirmed decision, modification here. 1992) (per curiam). "[n]othing undermine[d]" holding "normal preparatory steps"; unlike Burns, "[t]alking (willing) preparation." F.2d, 966-967. similar fashion, adhered conclusion bore similarities (advising propriety arrest). It did take place preparation. 967. difference, according "[a]n causes ensues," whereas depends 14 dissented. earlier conference, persuaded drawn line " 'conduct closely process' 'administrator investigative officer.' preparation falls side line, felt otherwise search favorable link year long pre-arrest pre-indictment investigation" aggressively supervised Fitzsimmons. 969 15 certiorari second time, issues relating 506 53, 121 23 (1992).3 now reverse. III 16 principles applied scope state sued Rev.Stat.1979, amended, familiar. Section face admits official subjects "[e]very person" who, color law, commits prohibited acts. Tenney Brandhove, 341 367, 376, 71 783, 788, 95 L.Ed. 1019 (1951), intend abrogate "well grounded history reason." 1871, enacted, "we presume abolish" Pierson Ray, 386 547, 554-555, 87 1213, 1217-1218, 18 288 (1967). See Newport Fact Concerts, Inc., 453 247, 258, 101 2748, 2755, 69 616 (1981). found appear statute, "[w]e policy." Tower Glover, 467 914, 922-923, 104 2820, 2826, 81 758 (1984). "[O]ur interpret intent enacting freewheeling choice." Malley Briggs, 475 335, 342, 106 1092, 1096, 89 271 (1986). Since Tenney, kinds Harlow Fitzgerald, 457 800, 807, 102 2727, 2732, 73 396 (1982); Butz Economou, 438 478, 508, 2894, 2911, 57 895 (1978). Under form immunity, subject performance discretionary "their violate clearly statutory rights reasonable person known." U.S., 818, S.Ct., 2738. most cases, "protect required discretion interest encouraging vigorous authority." 506, 2911. recognized, perform "special functions" which, similarity deserve protection liability. "[T]he seeking bears burden showing justified question." 1939; Antoine Byers & Anderson, 508 n. 2167, --- (1993). Even identify given function, considered "whether 1983's purposes nonetheless counsel recognizing actions." 920, 2825. Not surprisingly, "quite sparing" actors context. 224, 542, 555 (1988). determining general standard "functional approach," see, e.g., 1939, looks it." 545. twice approach contemporary 20 128 (1976), pursuit prosecution, presentation Noting cases "predicated upon inquiry historically accorded law behind it", 421, 990, focused often invited tort rule settled" underlie likewise countenance 1983." 424, 992. Those considerations4 supported 995. concluding "in presenting case, civil suit 1983," attempt describe functions, immune, "administration," not. 431, 33, 33. 21 analysis Terms ago challenged prosecutor: (1) giving legal advice hypnotizing suspect existed suspect, (2) participating probable-cause hearing. latter Immunity attorneys eliciting during, to, proceedings. ---- - 1941-1942; 1939 (SCALIA, judgment analysis, appearing warrant involved 'role State.' 1942, quoting issuance act, appearance hearing 'intimately process,' 22 decided, police. historical function. 1942-1943. threat harassment intimidation litigation" overcome "[a]bsen[ce] [of] comparable malicious formed basis Imbler." 1943-1944. And though several checks litigation prevent abuses advising police, "one checks, process," will effective especially end prosecuted. 1944-1945. sum, providing "closely 1944. IV injuries suffered occurred That contrary consistently followed Imbler. noted, focuses claimed, harm lawful. location adequately (a present, see supra, ____). irrelevant, Accordingly, although reasoning proper resolution provide acceptable preindictment postindictment turn each A. 24 first address argument conspired manufacture murderer front To submits, shopped until sought. 7-9. witness shopping working hand sheriff's detectives 25 argues Imbler's case," extends act itself occurring courtroom. This extreme position plainly foreclosed itself. expressly stated duties State involve apart courtroom," "effort control [a] witness' testimony" "fairly [the prosecutor's] advocate." 32, 32. sure, explicit point reserved 430-431, 994-996, 33: A relate advocate's retreated, principle include professional assembled appropriate after seek made. 26 hand, test recognizes, merely Qualified 'represents norm' executive officers, 340, 1095, "functions administrator officer court" difference evaluating interviewing prepares detective's hand. When performs normally detective officer, "neither justifiable that, should other." Hampton 602, 608 1973) (internal quotation marks omitted), cert. denied, 415 917, 94 1414, 39 471 (1974). plans executes raid suspected weapons cache, "has greater direction." 608-609. 27 question, then, carried establishing functioning "advocates" scene foot. careful examination concerning period investigate answer. ____, 1. contend initiate period. Their mission character. is, himself be, arrested.5 28 impaneled. finally convened, immediate thorough crime—not already fact, indicted him. circumstances, prosecutors' could properly advocates. cited authority supports unsolved 1871 date enactment remains 29 anomalous, say least, grant offering unarrested endow themselves decide arrested.6 later called prosecutorial.7 shield aegis because, eventually indicted, tried, retrospectively described "preparation" possible trial; every citizens ensuring go same, here, protects same. B 30 next regarding press. announcement indictment, assertions numerous pieces tied burglary ring committed murder. 12. released mug shots media, "which prominently repeatedly displayed television newspapers." "[t]hese populace against" him, ibid.; 14, thereby defaming resulting deprivation right fair causing deadlock acquit, 19. 31 suggest prosecutor's, attorney's, precedent exists. Indeed, while like attorneys, defamation them, 426, 23, 993, 23; 439, 999 (WHITE, judgment), received good-faith "[t]he speech privileged spoken. ." Flint Pike, Barn. Cress. 473, 107 Eng.Rep. 1136, 1138 (K.B. 1825) (Bayley, J.).8 32 conforms theory, leads us conclusion. Comments 'his State,' functions. Statements integral job, National Attorneys Assn., Prosecution Standards 107, 110 (2d ed. 1991), serve vital But respects different deal above, norm 33 Brief 30-33. responses submissions. First, 2826. When, draw, end. Second, duties." 1939. allowed carve new wrongs little suppose adequate provision 1943-1944, yet fail present context.9 V 34 complaint, charged violated Due Process Clause extraction implicating coercing paying money. 9-11, precise contours unclear, addressed below; passed instance remand. 35 stated, 2, challenge many aspects reviewed them; remain undisturbed rulings United States reversed, consistent 36 ordered. 37 concurring. 38 observes, demonstrated crime, well-established privilege enacted. ante, follows presumed legislative eliminate traditional justification limiting categorical language statute." 1945, (1991) part); accord, reasons seem persuasive, post, ____ (KENNEDY, part), simply "do policy," easy my joining Court's judgment. join well, reservation authenticity "principle immunity," century, proposition "act[s] incidental initiation" proceeding, "[s]tatements proposed witnesses," Veeder, Absolute Defamation: Judicial Proceedings, Colum.L.Rev. 463, 489, 82 (1909). See, Bower, Actionable Defamation 103-105, h (1908); Youmans Smith, 153 N.Y. 214, N.E. 265 (1897). previous expression principle, accede decades earlier, least sense logically then-existing decisions, compare 1949 future trust (aided briefing point) precisely outlines principle. certainly accord cannot "properly advocates" "probable arrested," reference indispensable show "as point, "during proceedings," 40 believe, moreover, vagueness "acting-as-advocate" less troublesome practice seems reasons. reaffirms 1871. application loses. directed sort covered conventional malicious-prosecution privileges, probably actionable dismissed pleading stage without regard immunity—undermining dissent's assertion converted "little rule," think false-evidence illustrate point. Insofar supposed knowing use 3—acts denial due process, Mooney Holohan, 294 103, 112, 55 341, 79 791 (1935) curiam) —the "reframe[d] attack preparation" unlikely cognizable cites, am aware of, mere opposed fashion deprives someone harms violates Constitution. 1230, 1244 1990), remanded, 41 Chief Justice, WHITE, SOUTER join, agree Nicarico's home. IV(B) opinion, dissent Part IV(A). 43 correct observe, rules origin resulted approach. Ante, (1991); (1988); 342-343, 1096-1097, (1986); Cleavinger Saxner, 474 193, 201, 496, 500, 88 507 (1985); Briscoe LaHue, 460 325, 103 1108, 1119, 75 (1983); 810, 2734, 511-513, 2913-2914, (1978); 420-425, 990-993, (1976). share unwillingness accept "that 's 'in case,' 431 [96 995], courtroom." acknowledged explained advocate, 44 even fundamental rejecting commencement in-court conduct. formulation convert substantial degree rule. Almost decisions preceded necessary introduction, almost taken courtroom requires measure Were unprotected turned plaintiff reframe instead themselves. 34, 34. Cf. Eastland Servicemen's Fund, 421 491, 503-507, 1813, 1821-1823, 324 (1975). Allowing avoidance mechanism undermine large discourage prosecutors. way, proffered perverse effect encouraging, penalizing, carelessness, cf. 223, participation process. 45 believe divide. recognize today, dictate "When 'neither other.' 1973), 1413, Nonetheless, labels "investigative," accurate consult potential places stand, critical one, consultation indict. obvious outset prosecution's best viewed step ensure bootprint's admission bolster probative value eyes jury. 46 Just insulated liability, steps leading free distortive effects engaged Actions "obtaining, reviewing, evaluating" testimony, classic advocate. Pretrial Potential premised "an adverse system," 993. Concern arising pretrial "hampe[r]" certain used. 24. prospect "induc[e] [a prosecutor] excess caution skew [his] ways result full fidelity objective criteria ought guide conduct." 542. "[e]xposing interfere work, come terms liability." 343, 1097. distortion frustrate accuracy determination guilt innocence. Furthermore, very matter considering, "subjected 'crucible process.' 1944, 440, judgment). appears makes point: "Whether proceedings?" Pet. Cert. i. Remedies example, ruling inadmissibility rejection trier prosecutors." 512, 2913; 429, 994. 48 contrary. cautioned "every litigation-inducing conduct," 1943, "could said way ultimate prosecute," premise acted prepare own 1937 (noting sought hypnosis unacceptable technique" "plac[e] suspect] arrest"). situation quite different. For explained, subjecting impede designed avoid. 49 reaches superimposing bright-line onto guided past decisions. According "[a] arrested." allow otherwise, tells create anomalous whereby endowed suspect. 50 demarcation advocacy creates anomaly clear meant anything, prosecution. 421-422, 428, 990-991, 992, 1943 ("[T]he Imbler"). Yet central component maliciously cause. Wyatt Cole, 504 1827, 118 (1992); 1834 concurring); 1829 (REHNQUIST, dissenting); W. Keeton, D. Dobbs, R. Owen, Prosser Keeton Torts 119 (5th 1984). means withhold whenever injurious specified individual longer ready dismissal grounds, where claimant clever enough prior strange invocation dividing line. hard easily manipulated defendants plaintiffs, allowing throwing allegation 51 Perhaps draw neutral party, too, generate results. begin, indictments shelter prefer wait accuse person. Given stigma emotional trauma attendant promoting premature arrests laudable accomplishment. 52 assuming induced rule, separating third-party falsified coerced confessions. confession party's cause, difficult fathom why securing fraudulent transmogrifies Finally, attached 'perform[s] function.' 1941, Prosser, 94, pp. 826-827 (1941)). Yaselli Goff, (CA2 1926), aff'd, 275 503, 155, 72 395 (1927). unclear me, proceedings, obviously handed down, process" 53 troubling line-drawing equal concern. advances distinguishing pre-probable-cause post-probable-cause activity distinction needed receive identical absent advocacy, fears, trial." step, alleged, enable "retrospectively describ[e]" 'preparation' trial" request benefits justifications persuasive. 54 concern, restatement unquestioned goals jurisprudence: parity treatment 545; 500. advancing goal adopted place, need augment developing involves attention subtle details. perceives danger disparate assumes assumption me unwarranted. understand art inherent temporal limitation, never More engage conduct, necessity disagree. Two inquiries doing advance examining persuasive assistance examines arresting distinct. Buchanan, Police-Prosecutor Teams, Prosecutor (summer 1989). Advancing line-drawing, overstates constitute institution "does prosecutorial," declining institute "retroactively transform" administrative. ("We file information, [and] prosecute"). confidence federal able answer accuracy, investigator, took subsequent center concern disguise forms unfounded. 56 drawing distinctions, workable area. adopts problems solved. finding leads, apply. converse true: satisfied exists secured, begin preparations functioned advocates, amassed deemed appropriate. involvement respect, reversing relation evidence. syllabus constitutes Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber Co., 200 321, 337, 282, 287, 499. damages, claimed lab site boots, positive identification murder, Attorney, announced news arrested bond, verdict. died retrial, dropped incarceration. action, claim. claims, theorizing proceeds begins. remand nothing amended complaint: "28) Defendant Knight, various others [sic] Defendants, Doria, Burandt, German's conclusions, contacted Olsen Identification Lab identification. "31) Confronted reports match Plaintiff's footprint door, German, procured 'positive identification' theories reputation forensic community generally discredited great skepticism, fact Defendants knew known. "32) Sheriff's interrogation suspects. Specifically, Wilkosz Kurzawa, supervision, presence King, Soucek Lepic, interrogated suspects, Plaintiff Alex Hernandez, represented counsel. Despite intense pressure intimidation, steadfastly maintained innocence knowledge Hernandez told wild palpably stories instability Defendants. "33) interrogations, experienced participated[,] crime. buttressed 'evidence.' "34) communicated basis, herein, Soucek, Wilkosz. "35) Unable solve 'investigative' devoted solely case." 8-10. coercive interrogations depended reasoned Miranda Arizona, 384 436, 86 1602, 694 (1966), Self-Incrimination Fifth Amendment depend happens claims; "coercive tactics independently wrongful." 1244. characterize issue. 1245. 10-11, 14-15, 45-47, 1243 (1990) ("The selection jurors, manner questioning equivalent petit jury"). original, injury-focused here; included certiorari. particular, expressed fear forcing diverting "energy pressing duty enforcing law." 424-425, 992-993. Suits devolve virtual retrial offense forum," 425, enforcement incentive forward close acquittal likely trigger damages." reluctant award relief convicted post-trial motions. 427, Of course, guarantee afterwards. determination, points out, "police work" "true anomaly," denying actor's lacked criticism ignores essence test. lack allows deny former (fabrication evidence) (malicious prosecution) bring insisting equation other, concerns erase purports respect. general, distress crimes, Appeals, conflate (1991): "Indeed, incongruous advice. direct purely activity, prosecute, indicated expansive." guidance solicited "fabricated" anything (1976): "Preparation, require obtaining, doubt court. Drawing questions, anticipate them." rely sentence passage always qualifies suggestion. confirms fall activities, "[Absolute immunity] apply publication commencement, termination proceeding (unless thereof, thereto); whom, authorized proceedings." 489 (1909) (footnotes omitted). Viosca Landfried, 140 La. 610, 615, So. 698, 700 (1916); 220-223, 265, 267-268 h, 104-105 (1908). circuits Powers Coe, 728 97, 1984); Marrero Hialeah, 625 499, 506-507 (CA5 1980), 450 913, 1353, 67 337 (1981); Gobel Maricopa 867 1201, 1205 (CA9 1989); England Hendricks, 880 281, 285 (CA10 1989), 493 1078, 1130, 1036 (1990); Marx Gumbinner, 855 (CA11 1988); Rose Bartle, 871 331, 345-346 (CA3 suggested Circuits unduly constrained keeping informed pending prosecutions. perceive firm nonprosecutors instance, general's spokesperson

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