Section 1983 is a part of the U.S. Code that allows individuals to sue state and local government officials for violating their constitutional rights. It was enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1871 to protect citizens from abuses by government authorities. To succeed in a Section 1983 claim, a plaintiff must show that a government official acted under the color of state law and that their actions caused a violation of a constitutional right. This section is often used in cases involving police misconduct, discrimination, and other civil rights violations.