briscoe lahue argued november decided march held title supp authorize convicted state defendant assert claim damages police officer giving perjured testimony defendant criminal trial pp common law provided absolute immunity subsequent damages liability persons governmental otherwise integral parts judicial process section authorize damages claim private witnesses similarly judges pierson ray prosecutors imbler pachtman may held liable damages performance respective duties judicial proceedings police officer appears witness may reasonably viewed acting like witness sworn tell truth event make strong claim witness immunity alternatively may regarded official performing critical role judicial process event may seek benefit afforded governmental participants proceeding nothing language suggests police officer witness belongs narrow special category lacking protection damages suits pp anything legislative history statute indicate congress intended abrogate witness immunity order provide damages remedy police officers witnesses pp force contentions reasons supporting witness immunity need avoid intimidation selfcensorship apply diminished force police officers police officers perjured testimony likely damaging constitutional rights testimony ordinary citizens immunity analysis rests functional categories defendant status police officer witness performs functions witness moreover extent traditional reasons witness immunity less applicable governmental witnesses considerations public policy support absolute immunity witnesses emphatically ordinary witnesses subjecting government officials police officers damages liability testimony might undermine contribution judicial process also effective performance public duties pp stevens delivered opinion burger white powell rehnquist joined brennan filed dissenting opinion post marshall filed dissenting opinion blackmun joined except part post blackmun filed dissenting opinion post edmund moran argued cause petitioners briefs robert creamer harriet lipkin argued cause respondents brief william enslen justice stevens delivered opinion case presents question statutory construction whether supp authorizes convicted person assert claim damages police officer giving perjured testimony criminal trial appeals seventh circuit held witnesses absolutely immune damages liability based testimony rejected petitioners contention government officials testify performance official duties may held liable even witnesses may agree conclusion appeals heard argument three separate cases raising absolute immunity issue decided single opinion two cases us writ certiorari petitioner briscoe convicted state burglarizing house trailer filed complaint respondent lahue member bloomington indiana police force alleging lahue violated constitutional right due process committing perjury criminal proceedings leading conviction lahue testified opinion briscoe one people bloomington whose prints match partial thumbprint piece glass found scene crime according briscoe testimony false federal bureau investigation state police considered partial print incomplete value without print evidence identifying burglar sought damages district granted lahue motion summary judgment four separate grounds facts alleged complaint suggest lahue testified falsely allegations perjury alone insufficient state constitutional claim lahue testified color law briscoe claim collaterally estopped criminal conviction petitioners vickers ballard jointly tried convicted sexual assault state subsequently brought civil action respondent hunley member cedar lake indiana police force alleging deprived constitutional rights due process fair trial alleged giving false testimony suggesting able harmonize stories making exculpatory statements police prejudicially diminished credibility statements plaintiff sought compensatory punitive damages federal magistrate granted motion dismiss complaint alternative grounds hunley testified color law entitled absolute witness immunity petitioners failed state claim allege prosecutor knowingly used false testimony district affirmed dismissal first ground cases appealed appeals seventh circuit although issues argued appeals holding cases predicated squarely ground litigation brought supp witnesses police officers well lay witnesses absolutely immune civil liability based testimony judicial proceedings importance immunity question given rise divergent conclusions courts appeals granted certiorari confronting precise question case presents whether creates damages remedy police officers testimony witnesses begin considering potential liability lay witnesses one hand judges prosecutors perform integral functions judicial proceedings hand unavailability damages remedy categories sheds considerable light petitioners claim congress intended police officer witnesses treated differently two reasons allow recovery damages private party testimony judicial proceeding first create remedy conduct may result violation rights privileges immunities secured constitution laws reach limited actions taken color statute ordinance regulation custom usage state territory beyond question private party gives testimony open criminal trial act performed color law second since decided tenney brandhove settled language referring person color law deprives another federal constitutional statutory rights taken literally well settled tort liability created understood historical vacuum one important assumption underlying decisions area members congress familiar principles including defenses previously recognized ordinary tort litigation likely intended principles obtain absent specific provisions contrary city newport fact concerts immunity parties witnesses subsequent damages liability testimony judicial proceedings well established english common law cutler dixon eng anfield feverhill bulst eng henderson broomhead eng ex see dawkins lord rokeby eng american decisions required showing witness allegedly defamatory statements relevant judicial proceeding threshold showing made witness absolute privilege plaintiff recover even witness knew statements false made malice words one damages suits witnesses claims individual must yield dictates public policy requires paths lead ascertainment truth left free unobstructed possible calkins sumner witness apprehension subsequent damages liability might induce two forms first witnesses might reluctant come forward testify see henderson broomhead supra eng witness stand testimony might distorted fear subsequent liability see barnes mccrate even within constraints witness oath may various ways give account state opinion alternatives may less detailed may differ emphasis certainty witness knows might forced defend subsequent lawsuit perhaps pay damages might inclined shade testimony favor potential plaintiff magnify uncertainties thus deprive finder fact candid objective undistorted evidence see veeder absolute immunity defamation judicial proceedings colum rev truthfinding process better served witness testimony submitted crucible judicial process factfinder may consider together evidence case determine truth lies imbler pachtman white concurring judgment least respect private witnesses clear abrogate absolute immunity existing common law petitioners contend otherwise like immunity legislators issue tenney brandhove common law protection witnesses tradition well grounded history reason believe congress impinged covert inclusion general language us ii already addressed question whether permits damages recoveries judges prosecutors persons acting color law perform official functions judicial process found light immunity principles impose liability officials held state judges absolutely immune liability judicial acts pierson ray stump sparkman state prosecutors absolute immunity liability actions initiating prosecutions imbler pachtman supra central focus analysis nature judicial proceeding thus opinion concurring judgment imbler pachtman supra justice white explained absolute immunity public prosecutors based policy protecting judicial process explained protection extended equally participants including counsel witnesses reasons rule also substantial precisely function judicial proceeding determine truth lies ability courts carefully developed procedures separate truth falsity importance accurately resolving factual disputes criminal civil cases involved judicial proceedings given every encouragement make full disclosure pertinent information within knowledge ibid controversies sufficiently intense erupt litigation easily capped judicial decree loser one forum frequently seek another absolute immunity thus necessary assure judges advocates witnesses perform respective functions without harassment intimidation butz supra iii petitioners point number references throughout debates act widespread perjury ku klux klan witnesses state criminal trials urge perjury one specific evils congress concerned recognizing absolute immunity witnesses conflict congressional intent find argument unpersuasive act consisted several sections establishing different remedies disorder violence southern legislative history statutory language indicate congress intended perjury leading unjust acquittals klan conspirators prohibited civil criminal conspiracy section statute codified relevant part supp language codified differs essential respects find evidence congress intended abrogate traditional witness immunity actions ku klux act stat enacted april less month president grant sent dramatic message congress describing breakdown law order southern cong globe debates supporters bill repeatedly described reign terror imposed klan upon black citizens white sympathizers southern hours oratory devoted details klan outrages arson robbery whippings shootings murders forms violence intimidation often committed disguise cover night acts lawlessness went unpunished legislators asserted klan members sympathizers controlled influenced administration state criminal justice particular alleged klan members obligated virtue membership organization protect fellow members charged criminal activity duty offer service grand petit juries violate jurors oaths refusing indict convict regardless strength evidence also bound appear witnesses violate oaths committing perjury necessary exculpate klan colleagues perjury thus one means klan prevented state courts gaining convictions klan members crimes blacks republicans clear legislative debates view act sponsors victims klan outrages deprived equal protection laws perpetrators systematically went unpunished proponents measure repeatedly argued given ineffectiveness state law enforcement individual federal right equal protection laws independent federal remedy necessary congress power provide see monroe pape section designed specifically provide criminal civil remedies federal conspiratorial activities klan indeed provision singles go disguise upon public highway earlier versions section enumerated precisely activities attributed klan murder manslaughter mayhem robbery assault battery perjury subornation perjury criminal obstruction legal process resistance officers discharge official duty arson larceny cong globe supra general language final version also intended apply abuses described repeatedly congressional debate part provision particularly well tailored reach conspiracies commit perjury order prevent punishment fellow klansmen provides penalties whenever two persons shall conspire together purpose preventing hindering constituted authorities state giving securing persons within state equal protection laws shall conspire together purpose manner impeding hindering obstructing defeating due course justice state territory intent deny citizen due equal protection laws summary legislative history supports criminal punishment witness conspired give perjured testimony favorable defendant effect preventing effective enforcement laws liability civil suit perjured witness defendant victim issues us today asked extrapolate perjury proprosecution perjury willing make step invited apply legislative history relating section specifically directed toward private conspiracies section designed provide remedies abuses color law decline invitation debates congress support petitioners contention congress intended provide damages remedy police officers witnesses iv petitioners finally urge carve exception general rule immunity cases alleged perjury police officer witnesses assert reasons supporting immunity need avoid intimidation apply diminished force police officers policemen often duty testify products investigations professional interest obtaining convictions assertedly counterbalance tendency shade testimony favor potentially vindictive defendants addition subject lawsuits performance duties qualified immunity defense generally undertaken governmental employers petitioners urge perjured testimony police officers likely damaging constitutional rights testimony ordinary citizens policeman uniform carries special credibility eyes jurors case police officers cooperate regularly prosecutors enforcement criminal law prosecution perjury alleged unlikely effective substitute civil damages contentions force cases clearly indicate immunity analysis rests functional categories status defendant police officer witness stand performs functions witness subject compulsory process takes oath responds questions direct examination may prosecuted subsequently perjury moreover extent traditional reasons witness immunity less applicable governmental witnesses considerations public policy support absolute immunity emphatically persons ordinary witnesses subjecting government officials police officers damages liability testimony might undermine contribution judicial process also effective performance public duties section lawsuits police officer witnesses like lawsuits prosecutors expected frequency cf imbler pachtman police officers testify scores cases every year defendants often transform resentment convicted allegations perjury state official witnesses files case show even processing complaint dismissed trial consumes considerable amount time resources category litigation might well impose significant burdens judicial system law enforcement resources noted recognized absolute immunity prosecutors imbler defendant official made answer time disgruntled defendant charged wrongdoing energy attention diverted pressing duty enforcing criminal law degree individual burden might alleviated government provision counsel case goes trial always imposes significant emotional costs every party litigant sufficient assert burdens defendants courts alleviated limiting cause action former criminal defendants already vindicated another forum either appeal collateral attack rejected similar contention imbler petitioner contended suit allowed even others district issuance writ habeas corpus shows suit substance declined carve exception prosecutorial immunity noting petitioner success collateral proceeding necessarily establish merits civil rights action moreover noted using habeas proceeding subsequent civil rights action create risk injecting extraneous concerns proceeding ibid emphasized determining whether grant postconviction relief tribunal focus solely whether fair trial law focus blurred even subconscious knowledge decision favor accused might result prosecutor called upon respond damages error mistaken judgment danger exists case potential liability police officer witnesses course possibility despite truthfinding safeguards judicial process defendants might indeed unjustly convicted basis knowingly false testimony police officers absolute immunity prosecutors recognized imbler bars one possible avenue redress defendants similarly case absolute witness immunity bars another possible path recovery defendants recognized situations alternative limiting official immunity disserve broader public interest judge learned hand wrote years ago often case answer must found balance evils inevitable either alternative instance thought end better leave unredressed wrongs done dishonest officers subject try duty constant dread retaliation gregoire biddle cert denied decision appeals affirmed ordered justice marshall dissenting opinion post presents eloquent argument congress enacting intend create absolute immunity civil liability government officials involved judicial process post page whatever correctness historical argument fear already crossed bridge pierson ray imbler pachtman entirely agree justice marshall however policies witness immunity apply witnesses police officers justify absolute immunity perjurious testimony therefore dissent reasons stated part iv justice marshall opinion footnotes time appeals decision petitioner briscoe conviction set aside indiana appeals ground evidence insufficient prove briscoe guilt beyond reasonable doubt opinion question veracity lahue testimony found state evidence including testimony briscoe one persons might robbed trailer meet state burden proof briscoe state ind app petitioners vickers ballard still serving sentences appeals affirmed dismissal complaint review pretrial orders dismissing petitioners complaints appeals assumed complaints factual allegations perjury true also assumed petitioners alleged constitutional violation deprived liberty without due process law respondents perjury judicial proceedings resulted convictions granted certiorari review appeals holding make assumptions purposes deciding case without implying valid light resolution immunity question appeals determine whether respondents acted color law though suggested might answered affirmative rule absolute witness immunity adopted majority courts appeals brawer horowitz lay witness federal bivens action burke miller state medical examiner action cert denied charles wade police officer victim suit cert pending myers bull police officer witness suit cert denied blevins ford private witnesses former assistant attorney action fifth amendment see briggs goodwin app dicta rejecting absolute immunity government official witness bivens action cert denied hilliard williams rejecting absolute immunity agent state bureau investigation action cert denied sub nom clark hilliard petition writ certiorari presents following question whether police officer commits perjury state criminal trial granted absolute immunity civil liability pet cert petition raise question immunity testimony pretrial proceedings hearings petitioners brief discuss whether immunity considerations apply trial testimony also apply testimony hearings therefore decide whether respondent lahue entitled absolute immunity allegedly false testimony two hearings regarding petitioner briscoe thus even though defective performance defense counsel may cause trial process deprive accused person liberty unconstitutional manner cuyler sullivan lawyer may responsible unconstitutional state action act color state law within meaning polk county dodson conclusion compelled character office performed defense counsel see ferri ackerman equally clear office lay witness merely discharges duty testify truthfully performed color law within meaning conceivable however nongovernmental witnesses act color law conspiring prosecutor state officials see dennis sparks adickes kress therefore necessary go beyond color law analysis consider whether private witnesses may ever held liable damages piece legislation word every may given literal reading see national society professional engineers availability action false accusations crime see post inapposite petitioners present question liability false testimony criminal trial see supra therefore large collection cases time time parties attempted get damages cases like present one instance action ever held maintainable centuries many persons attempted get remedy injuries like present entire absence authority remedy exists shews unanimous opinion held place action maintainable henderson broomhead eng see generally newell law defamation libel slander townshend treatise wrongs called slander libel ed see lawson hicks myers hodges smith howard iowa gardemal mcwilliams la ann burke ryan la ann mclaughlin cowley mass barnes mccrate cooper phipps shadden mcelwee cooley galyon cf hoar wood mass statements counsel marsh ellsworth courts appear taken position closer english rule require showing pertinency materiality see chambliss blau cf calkins sumner absence objection ruling lack pertinency responses questions remove immunity witnesses position know statements pertinent case although cases used words good faith see white carroll shadden mcelwee supra good faith established matter law statements pertinent material judicial proceeding given response questions indeed even testimony pertinent plaintiff burden proving bad faith testimony respondents case received absolute protection common law directly relevant criminal charges petitioners testimony relevant unlikely petitioners stated claim constitutional rights violated therefore purposes analysis material difference english rule american rule justice marshall dissent relies heavily opinion rendered white nicholls discussion privileged statements judicial proceedings purely dictum plaintiff sought damages defendants allegedly defamatory assertions petition president requesting plaintiff removal office customs collector statement entitled qualified privilege white nicholls considered authoritative leading commentator stated demands public policy rule absolute immunity based controlling one considered case english american reports existence general doctrine absolute immunity common law ever questioned strangely enough isolated instance decision course justice daniel speaking denied rule policy expression opinion obiter since case issue one qualified immunity veeder absolute immunity defamation judicial proceedings colum rev footnotes omitted addition courts expressed concern absence privilege honest witnesses might erroneously subjected liability difficulty proving truth statements result seemed inappropriate light witness duty testify calkins sumner barnes mccrate chambliss blau cf marsh ellsworth importance placing relevant evidence jury enable arrive truth hoar wood stressing impartiality judge sufficient antidote inaccuracies exaggerations adversaries immunity protected witnesses well participants judicial process drew distinction public officials private citizens see veeder supra general purposes underlying witness immunity common law applied equally official private witnesses types witness took stand testified oath response questions counsel might deterred prospect subsequent vexatious litigation brief petitioners citing schwartz statutory history civil rights addition codified discussed text infra act permitted president use armed force response insurrection domestic violence authorized suspension habeas corpus president deemed necessary required grand petit jurors take test oath provided civil penalty persons knew failed prevent violations stat supporters bill repeatedly quoted testimony investigating committee two former klan members described klan oath binding members commit perjury cong globe see remarks stoughton remarks hoar remarks lowe remarks beatty remarks coburn remarks wilson remarks cook remarks frelinghuysen remarks pratt remarks sen pool remarks edmunds representative coburn stated courts mere local influence county courts judges act independence put terror local judges sympathies nearly identified vicinage jurors taken state neighborhood able rise prejudices bad passions terror easily marshal clothed power sheriff make arrests certainty aid general government seize offenders spite banded combined resistance may expected compare original version introduced shellabarger general language amended version see senate amendment adding language punishing conspiracy obstructing due course justice noteworthy imposition criminal liability persons conspiracy give false evidence derogation common law existed witnesses traditionally subject prosecution perjury committed course evidence conspiracy case combination two give false evidence newell supra offense perjury shaped english law centuries parliament star chamber judges holdsworth history english law milsom historical foundations common law ed several hundred pages small print one senator member committee reported bill referred possibility perjury used convict innocent see cong globe remarks osborn comments made connection proposal retain test oath grand petit jurors debates describe nocturnal klan meetings passing decrees condemning political enemies see references lynch mobs attacking suspects held custody see legislative history civil rights act discussed length justice marshall dissent simply speak question whether congress intended witnesses private parties public officials civilly liable false testimony resulting unjust criminal conviction makes clear judges state officials integral judicial process subject criminal liability violating constitutional rights individuals never questioned proposition moreover witnesses enjoyed immunity criminal prosecution perjury see supra therefore criminal provisions act successors apply official witnesses see infra legislative history extent sheds light meaning act support civil liability witnesses show requisite congressional intent override clearly established immunity witnesses civil liability respect witnesses legislative history act simply silent unwilling assume whenever legislators referred state judicial officials judicial power state describing witnesses well judges sheriffs marshals moreover decisions recognizing absolute immunity judges prosecutors civil liability act implicitly reject position legislative history act defines scope immunity purposes act see pierson ray imbler pachtman contours proposed exception clear similar considerations presumably apply government officials experts including coroners medical examiners psychiatric experts social workers see butz economou administrative law judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity even though executive branch imbler pachtman supra reserving question whether prosecutor absolutely immune decisions initiate prosecution put witnesses stand similar immunity administrative investigative tasks cf hampton city chicago prosecutor immunity ceases acts capacity role cert denied moreover lawsuits alleging perjury stand violation defendant due process rights often raise material questions fact inappropriate disposition summary judgment stage plaintiff complaint puts issue falsity materiality allegedly perjured statements defendant witness knowledge state mind time testified sometimes principles permit dismissal pretrial stage truth allegedly perjured statement necessarily decided previous criminal verdict newly discovered evidence falsity defendant concedes testimony inaccurate central issue defendant state mind summary judgment usually feasible circumstances wright law federal courts ed summary judgment denied case must proceed trial must traverse much ground original criminal trial writing clean slate us craft new rule designed enable trial judges dismiss meritless claims trial allow recovery cases demonstrated injustice innocent plaintiff already obtained postconviction relief remain free grant relief cases course congress power fashion appropriate remedy perceives need one reason believe however risk greater indeed great risk unjust conviction resulting misidentification unintentional mistake federal damages remedy innocent persons acquitted undergoing burdens criminal trial finally cases judicial process fails public powerless punish misconduct like prosecutors judges official witnesses may punished criminally willful deprivations constitutional rights justice marshall justice blackmun joins except part dissenting agree police officers absolutely immune civil liability supp testimony given criminal proceedings extension absolute immunity conflicts fundamentally language purpose statute therefore reluctant case conclude incorporates tort immunities may existed congress enacted statute case conclusion especially unjustified first absolute immunity witnesses means settled legal proposition notably cast serious doubt existence absolute immunity testimony given judicial proceedings second origins history strongly suggest congress meant abrogate absolute immunity government officials involved judicial process including police officers finally considerations public policy deemed necessary justify absolute immunity past cases support absolute immunity majority opinion correctly case presents question statutory construction ante yet departs generally accepted principles interpreting laws matters statutory construction begins focusing language statute absent clearly expressed legislative intention contrary language must ordinarily regarded conclusive consumer product safety gte sylvania language provides unambiguous guidance case witness assuredly person word congress employed describe whose conduct encompasses majority turns conventional approach statutory interpretation head assumes tort immunities provide exemption plain language statute unless petitioners demonstrate congress meant override immunity see ante thus absence clearly expressed legislative intent contrary simply presumes congress mean said absolute immunity witnesses conflicts language also purpose enacting congress sought create damages action victims violations federal rights absolute immunity nullifies pro tanto remedy appears congress sought create imbler pachtman white concurring judgment words statute always interpreted carry purpose moreover members congress explicitly stated read broad remedial goals sponsor act representative shellabarger declared act remedial aid preservation human liberty human rights statutes constitutional provisions authorizing statutes liberally beneficently construed strange civilized law monstrous rule interpretation decided everywhere else wise judicial interpretation largest latitude consistent words employed uniformly given construing statutes constitutional provisions meant protect defend give remedies wrongs people cong globe app given language purpose serious doubts extension absolute immunity state officials actions minimum believe extend absolute immunity state officials absence convincing showing immunity necessary imbler pachtman supra white concurring judgment reasons elaborated believe case absolute witness immunity far convincing ii majority decision predicated conclusion immunity witnesses well settled ante disagree view law stood congress enacted begin petitioners allegations clearly barred doctrines immunity common law majority discusses immunities associated actions defamation common law ante however petitioner briscoe allege solely officer lahue testified falsely trial claim resembling one defamation also alleged officer lahue made knowingly false charges two hearings one resulted briscoe arrest common law allegation formed basis action case malicious prosecution related action known latin name crimen feloniae imposuit imputing crime felony english american courts routinely permitted plaintiffs bring actions alleging defendant made false malicious accusation felony magistrate judicial officer immunity barred suits indeed absolute immunity illogical allowed defendant avoid related action false imprisonment simple expedient proffering false charges magistrate thereby securing arrest warrant even respect action defamation majority discusses agree absolute immunity witnesses law rejected rule absolute immunity logical underpinnings proposing instead plaintiff allege prove malice case privileged communications white nicholls justice daniel wrote unanimous dicta veritable treatise law defamation privileged communications began noting existence various exceptions elementary treatises decisions upon libel slander denominated privileged communications publications one exceptions ords used course legal judicial proceeding however hard may bear upon party used stated term exceptions applied cases like enumerated never interpreted mean class actors transactions placed cognisance law absolved commands justice difficult conceive society rights duties relative mutual tolerated privileged injury legibus soluti still difficult imagine privilege instituted tolerated upon principles social good privilege spoken books opinion taken strong qualifications properly signifies nothing excepted instances shall far change ordinary rule respect slanderous libellous matter remove regular usual presumption malice make incumbent party complaining show malice either construction spoken written matter facts circumstances connected matter situation parties adequate authorize conclusion ibid emphasis added respect words used course judicial proceeding ruled protected occasion form foundation action slander without proof express malice case hodgson scarlett barn ald said holroyd speaking words counsel argument cause fair comments upon evidence relevant matter issue unless malice shown occasion justifies however proved spoken bona fide express malice shown may actionable emphasis added iii majority decision also predicated conclusion evidence congress intended abrogate traditional witness immunity actions ante fact considerable evidence legislative history congress intend abrogate immunity participants state judicial proceedings petitioners urging extensively examined legislative history ku klux klan act stat codified supp however forerunner act majority points ante two sections differ significantly language purpose thus hardly surprising debates shed little light view inquiry focus history examining genesis provision determined whether congress intended abrogate certain immunities origin open serious question language concept provision derived large part civil rights act stat author clearly stated relationship two acts introducing measure first inquiry warrant enacting section act model found second section act april known civil rights act section provides criminal proceeding identically case one provides civil remedy except deprivation color state law must civil rights act account race color former slavery section bill state facts provides civil remedy persons whose former condition may slaves also people color state law may deprived rights entitled constitution reason virtue national citizenship cong globe app emphasis added civil rights act first federal statute provide broad protection field civil rights primary purpose guarantee newly emancipated negro equality whites law section act provided criminal liability person acting color law deprived another rights race provision extensively debated controversy centered large part intended application state officials integral judicial process liability state judicial officials official participants state judicial proceedings explicitly repeatedly affirmed notion immunity officials thoroughly discredited senate sponsor act deemed idea akin maxim english law king wrong places officials law doctrine rebellion civil war hatched cong globe trumbull thus aimed directly state judiciary eldridge see also johnson member senate judiciary committee act strikes judicial department governments two unsuccessful efforts made amend first representative miller introduced amendment exempt state judges criminal liability second particular significance representative bingham introduced amendment substitute civil action criminal sanctions contained proposal sponsor act representative wilson opposed amendment largely ground place financial burden protecting civil rights poor individuals instead government time stressed difference principle involved civil remedy criminal sanction ibid bill passed senate house president andrew johnson vetoed opposition based part fact bill invades judicial power state veto message president warned judges state courts marshals sheriffs ministerial officers execute processes sanctioned state laws issued state judges execution judgments brought tribunals subjected fine imprisonment performance duties state laws might impose ibid within two weeks senate house overrode veto various congressmen responded president criticisms freely admitted legislation aimed state judicial systems member house judiciary committee representative lawrence declared answer better invade judicial power state permit invade strike destroy civil rights citizens judicial power perverted uses speedily invaded grievance insignificant see also response trumbull president veto message statement clarke bill became law april time time read background tort liability far pertinent case however background provided civil rights act representative bingham introduced amendment substitute civil liability criminal liability act become chairman house judiciary committee time congress senator trumbull senate sponsor act chairman senate judiciary committee representative shellabarger participated debates legislation drafted act congress well aware model law found civil rights act cong globe app shellabarger manager bill senate george edmunds stressed merely carrying principles civil rights bill passed representative coburn stated gives civil remedy parallel penal provision civil rights act penal section valid one dares controvert civil remedy legal unquestionable see also mchenry opposition first section bill intended amendment civil rights act arthur opposition cumulative far goes certain provisions civil rights bill fact civil rights act model act explains debates congress perfunctory measures ku klux klan act generated least controversy since merely provided civil counterpart far controversial criminal provision act see edmunds first section one believe nobody objects app burchard first section giving injured party redress suit law courts cases enumerated see objections monell new york city dept social services debate limited section passed without amendment developments law section federalism harv rev opponents act repeated arguments made act warned liability judicial officers result enactment indeed portraying inevitable consequences act senator thurman pointed criminal prosecutions state judicial officers already taken place act statements hardly dismissed exaggerated rhetoric opponents act instead simply reflect fact battle liability integral judicial process already fought congress adopted far serious criminal sanction aimed state judicial systems section contrast provided mild remedy civil action cong globe wilson member house judiciary committee surprising arguments opponents act fall deaf ears also noteworthy representative shellabarger hardly reluctant interrupt speakers misconstruing proposal never disputed opponents characterizations regard liability state judicial officers assume congress enacted criminal sanction directed state judicial officials intended sub silentio exempt officials civil counterpart approaches incredible sheriffs marshals performing quintessentially judicial function serving process clearly liable act notwithstanding president johnson objections representative shellabarger stated act provided civil remedy identically case state facts act obviously overrode whatever immunity may existed common law participants judicial process lack historical support witness immunity sharply contrasts substantial historical support legislative immunity recognized tenney brandhove case majority relies ante legislative immunity enjoyed unique historical position since conceived parliamentary struggles century enshrined speech debate clause constitution vast majority adopted constitutional provisions providing parallel protection civil criminal liability see moreover history supports incorporation legislative immunity example specter holding state legislators liable act raised president johnson veto message senate sponsor act quick disavow intention senator trumbull argued length legislators fall within scope act enact laws rather act color state law whatever validity distinction doubt reflected reluctance congress impinge immunity state legislators radical republican congress staunch advocate legislative freedom displayed solicitude state courts debates act replete hostile comments directed state judicial systems entirely reasonable conclude congress intended make state legislators immune civil liability act similar evidence exists support immunity police officers testifying witnesses iv majority also bases decision considerations public policy purportedly mandate absolute immunity police officers sued testimony witnesses ante recognized absolute immunity exceptional situations public policy makes essential butz economou view case immunity falls far short standard police officers government officials differ significantly private citizens around doctrines witness immunity developed police officer comes witness stand clothed authority state official status gives credibility creates far greater potential harm exists average citizen testifies situation aggravated official draws special expertise policeman testifying fingerprint identification medical examiner testifying cause death critical impact defendant trial time threat criminal perjury prosecution serves important constraint average witness testimony virtually nonexistent context despite apparent prevalence police perjury prosecutors exhibit extreme reluctance charging police officials criminal conduct need maintain close working relationships law enforcement agencies majority thus forecloses civil sanction precisely situations need pressing moreover danger official witnesses inhibited testifying fear damages action much remote case private witnesses policemen normally duty testify matters involving official conduct notion officials professional interest securing criminal convictions shade testimony favor defendant avoid risk civil suit viewed skepticism addition police officials usually insulated economic hardship associated lawsuits based conduct within scope authority event truly desires give police officers every encouragement make full disclosure pertinent information within knowledge ante quoting imbler pachtman white concurring judgment least permit suits allege officials withheld key information testifying majority primary concern appears suits police witnesses impose significant burdens judicial system law enforcement resources ante empirical matter contention unfounded sixth circuit district columbia circuit permitted suits five years see ante perceptible drain legal resources circuits compared circuits bar lawsuits moreover comprehensive study suits filed central district california includes los angeles indicates actions false arrest filed annually district police officers arrest much frequently testify arrest undoubtedly make many individuals disgruntled yet lawsuits based allegations constituted cases filed central district average one every police officers city los angeles appear significant burden simple fact practical obstacles alone enough deter individuals suing police official misconduct considering competing interests stake area majority strikes balance eschews qualified immunity favor absolute one thus mere inquiry good faith deemed undesirable must simply acquiesce possibility government officials maliciously deprive citizens rights part conceive case patent violations individual rights tolerated name public good essence civil liberty certainly consists right every individual claim protections laws whenever receives injury marbury madison cranch reasons believe majority failed sustain heavy burden required justify immunity plainly odds language purpose therefore respectfully dissent jackson transit authority transit union bread political action comm fec universities research assn coutu dawson chemical rohm haas majority criticizes literal reading statute refers national society professional engineers ante national society noted language sherman act mean says logical reason word person read exclude witness moreover number occasions relied plain language see maine thiboutot question us whether phrase laws used means says whether limited subset laws given congress attached modifiers phrase plain language statute undoubtedly embraces respondents claim parratt taylor relying part text reject limitation statute intentional deprivations owen city independence relying absolute unqualified language reject qualified immunity municipalities monell new york city dept social services relying plain meaning cf jones alfred mayer relying plain unambiguous terms see mastro plastics nlrb quoting boisdore heirs sec joiner leasing hart sacks legal process tent ed see also cong globe app thurman opposition limitation whatsoever upon terms employed comprehensive used perry action bill asserted fully assert mischief intended remedied dawes person invades trenches upon impairs one iota title least constitutional rights extent trenches upon constitution laws constitution authorizes us bring courts answer therefor see note harv rev suit based deprivation federally guaranteed right need enforce federal limitations state action constitutes consideration favor recovery present suits state law bator mishkin shapiro wechsler hart wechsler federal courts federal system ed constitutional rights stake courts properly astute construing statutes avoid conclusion congress intended use privilege immunity order defeat see memorandum support complaint app action malicious prosecution grew related action conspiracy early various statutes enacted aid persons falsely maliciously indicted accused crimes conspiracy among defendants cases writ conspiracy employed seeking redress century action replaced action case nature conspiracy allegation conspiracy soon treated surplusage result action case see bigelow leading cases law torts street foundations legal liability holdsworth history english law ed see blizard kelly barn cress eng legal sense meaning words party made charge felony magistrate davis noak stark eng see fuller cook leo eng knight jermin cro eliz eng clarke postan car eng wheeler nesbitt bunton worley maddox jackson munf hill miles permitting action maliciously without reasonable probable cause charging party felony magistrate briggs byrd center spring iowa wilkinson arnold ind rockwell brown reject majority conclusion issue immunity testimony police officer hearing majority emphasizes question presented petition certiorari mentions testimony police officer criminal trial ante literal reading question presented contrary rules provide statement question presented deemed comprise every subsidiary question fairly included therein rule see also peters kiff marshall announcing judgment opinion douglas stewart joined challenge composition grand jury questions presented encompassed challenge composition petit jury even though question presented mention petit juries believe question witness immunity one criminal proceeding trial fairly includes issue witness immunity related criminal proceeding hearing petition certiorari case specifically referred officer lahue testimony several judicial proceedings relating state criminal prosecution pet cert spoke general terms absolute witness immunity petitioners respondents obviously thought issue us since quoted lengthy excerpts officer lahue testimony hearings briefs see brief petitioners brief respondents petitioner briscoe asserted respondent lahue liability testimony hearing throughout proceeding app indeed district appeared believe issue raised briscoe complaint involved testimony hearing see briscoe lahue nd app pet cert appeals discussed hearing testimony holding framed general terms regarding testimony judicial proceedings see ante certainly include hearings majority nonetheless clearly leaves open issue immunity testimony hearing ante absence immunity cases common law alone undermine claim absolute immunity addition policy considerations applicable testimony hearing differ substantially relevant testimony trial instance absence hearings increases risk false testimony go undetected noted examination law extended importance subject hodgson scarlett barn ald eng holroyd see also kendillon maltby car eng lord denman thomas churton eng cockburn reserving question explained falsehood absence probable cause amount proof malice jurisdictional grant contained act apr stat forerunner views obviously conflicted expressed judges precisely point federal common law diverged state common law witness immunity majority reasons state common law controlled matter see ante nn federal common law prevailed congress enacted federal remedy provided act accompanied new grant federal jurisdiction believe white nicholls natural focus attention congress majority explain thinks congress instead focused state common law event majority analysis decisions sorely deficient proper inquiry case defined majority principles understood members congress see ante congress enacted yet majority inexplicably relies cases decided cases plainly irrelevant question congress intent unless clairvoyant congress possibly access decisions relied majority token congress certainly benefit views van vechter veeder ante wrote article arguably relevant support majority cites view congress extended absolute immunity police officers give perjurious testimony consists eight cases decided none cases involved testimony official state let alone police officer support majority muster notion witness immunity drew distinction public officials private citizens article van vechter veeder see ante three cases plaintiffs suing defamation prevailed completely smith howard iowa white carroll state courts affirmed award damages recovered defendant slandered plaintiff witness stand similarly perkins mitchell barb state affirmed trial order rejecting defendant demurrer complaint held plaintiff sue defamatory statements made physician justice peace resulted plaintiff commitment lunatic whatever might said immunity cases use majority language ante purely dictum two cases hoar wood mass shelfer gooding involved statements counsel statements witness leaves three state cases upholding witness immunity private witnesses smattering opinions extended analysis unanimous think latter commanded attention members congress fact members congress displayed little interest familiarity decisions often focused cases deliberations act see cong globe cong globe lowe citing prigg pennsylvania pet cong globe coburn citing cohens virginia wheat cong globe app bingham citing barron mayor baltimore pet moore illinois cong globe app willard citing majority dissenting opinions dred scott case dred scott sandford cong globe bayard citing withers buckley cong globe app shellabarger citing jones van zandt brief petitioners enacted act read pertinent part person color law statute ordinance regulation custom usage state shall subject cause subjected person within jurisdiction deprivation rights privileges immunities secured constitution shall law statute ordinance regulation custom usage state contrary notwithstanding liable party injured action law suit equity proper proceeding redress act apr stat person color law statute ordinance regulation custom shall subject cause subjected inhabitant state territory deprivation right secured protected act different punishment pains penalties account person time held condition slavery involuntary servitude except punishment crime whereof party shall duly convicted reason color race prescribed punishment white persons shall deemed guilty misdemeanor conviction shall punished fine exceeding one thousand dollars imprisonment exceeding one year discretion see cong globe exchange trumbull senate sponsor bill cowan exchange thayer eldridge raymond judge sheriff officer state take part enforcing state law making distinctions among citizens state account race color shall deemed guilty misdemeanor punished fine imprisonment bill cowan opposition noting judge constable sheriff marshal everybody liable davis opposition parties participate unjust conviction negro liable including grand jury petit jury judge officer law executes judgment pierson ray monroe pape see carey piphus nahmod section background tort liability ind see cong globe discussion act limited simply unrealistic demand overwhelming evidence congress meant override witness immunity surely majority mean define inquiry inherently futile see cong globe statements arthur statement lewis app app least one occasions remarks made representative shellabarger present see note liability judicial officers section yale majority concede witnesses punished criminally violations modern successor act see ante go without mention classic english formulation absolute witness immunity lord mansfield even majority quotes ante precluded civil criminal liability king skinner lofft eng either party witness counsel jury judge put answer civilly criminally words spoken office emphasis added early common law perjury punishable offense jurors merely body witnesses whose verdict based personal knowledge evidence others testifying method punishment writ attaint see generally holdsworth history english law ed damport sympson cro eliz eng see kates immunity state judges federal civil rights acts nw rev see cong globe see developments law section federalism harv rev see cong globe app perry sheriffs eyes see see judges ears hear hear witnesses conceal truth falsify grand petit juries act might accomplices rainey courts many instances control wholly inimical impartial administration law equity app platt judges exercise almost despotic powers republicans without regard law justice app porter outrages committed upon loyal men forms law summed one word loyal men obtain justice courts referring prejudiced juries bribed judges history act casts doubt correctness pierson ray imbler pachtman pierson imbler distinguishable however ground policy considerations cases far powerful significantly judges prosecutors must exercise substantial amount discretion performing official functions witnesses sworn tell truth see infra addition extended qualified immunity police officers performance many duties see pierson supra butz involved action bivens six unknown fed narcotics agents view even reluctant import absolute immunities suits bivens actions first deal explicit statutory language indicating broad scope action whereas bivens actions implied federal courts second need restrain state action implicit fourteenth amendment implicated suits amendment relevance suits federal officials see nugent sheppard supp nd ind cf bivens six unknown fed narcotics agents supra agent acting name possesses far greater capacity harm individual trespasser acting checks balances built trial process may well limitations strategic costs instance lengthy official witness may expose weaknesses testimony cost emphasizing evidence mind jury see marshall veney app wright concurring judgment people berrios fuld dissenting people dickerson cal app cal rptr tarlow search warrants new york city commission investigate alleged police corruption knapp commission report police corruption sevilla exclusionary rule police perjury san diego rev grano dilemma defense counsel search warrants possibility police perjury law forum younger perjury routine nation comment geo note colum law soc probs see newman suing law breakers yale police officers generally provided free counsel indemnified conduct within scope authority see monell new york city dept social services powell concurring project yale certainly state law respect respondents see ind code ann burns supp despite differences official witnesses private witnesses majority contends immunity analysis rests functional categories status defendant ante however cases cited proposition ante involve various types official conduct fact individuals within government treated functions perform necessarily mean individuals within government treated private parties relying functional categories majority ignores classic distinction embodied immunity cases acts involving discretion see kendall stokes mccray maryland official called upon exercise judicial discretion courts properly refused extend protection absolute judicial immunity regardless apparent relationship role judicial system lower noted witness normally exercises discretion performance duty answer fully truthfully questions put result need absolute immunity seems correspondingly less compelling see eisenberg section doctrinal foundations empirical study cornell rev statistics estimate given text approximate professor eisenberg grouped statistics prisoner actions involving false arrest assault search seizure see table vi total cases filed central district california see annual report director administrative office courts table table police officers employed city los angeles see generally dept commerce bureau census city employment table data police department employees data another state indicate california experience may overstate burden false arrest cases seven years total suits false arrest brought federal district part connecticut see project yale supra former criminal defendants may well wish avoid entanglements legal system unlikely resources needed pursue suits lawyers probably little incentive become involved actions police face uphill struggle see amsterdam rights suspects criminal cases rev civil actions police rare recently rare insignificant obstacles maintenance formidable cf harper james law torts stretching argument pretty far say mere inquiry malice worse consequences possibility actual malice since danger official power abused greatest motives improper balance may well swing way emphasis deleted justice blackmun dissenting join justice marshall dissenting opinion except part join part adhere views expressed city newport fact concerts regarding role played history policy determining whether incorporates particular immunity proper assume indeed past assumed members congress familiar principles likely intended principles obtain absent specific provisions contrary immunity well established common law careful analysis policies supporting supporting governs determination whether immunity retained view justice marshall dissent convincingly demonstrates finds little support decision present case either language statute history common law relevant legislative history policy considerations therefore dissent