Qualified Immunity
Qualified Immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government officials, including police officers, from being held personally liable for actions taken while performing their official duties. This protection applies unless the official violated a clearly established statutory or constitutional right that a reasonable person would have known.
The purpose of qualified immunity is to allow officials to perform their jobs without the fear of constant litigation. However, critics argue that it can shield misconduct and prevent accountability, making it a controversial topic in discussions about police reform and civil rights.