Running Head: SECTION 1983 LIABILITY 1
Section 1983 Liability
Midterm Essay
Marilyn Wilson
Liberty University
SECTION 1983 LIABILITY 2
Abstract
The Constitution is the foundation of the United States and is the supreme law governing all
Americans. Police officers are visible constitutional protectors who take an oath to uphold,
support and defend the Constitution. Officers are tasked with pledging to defend and uphold the
Constitution in the performance of their daily duties. In order to defend and uphold the
Constitution, officers must know and understand how it applies to their professional duties. The
best way officers can uphold, support, and defend the Constitution is to understand their
constitutional limits. Agencies must ensure their sworn officers are trained in the understanding
Civil Rights Act of 1871, 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Law enforcement executives must be
knowledgeable with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that govern their work. Officers
are heavily scrutinized about their decisions and having a robust constitutional foundation helps
make split-second decisions a little easier. Officers are held liable for making poor decisions in
their job performance that often includes lawsuits against them and their agency. In an attempt
to avoid unnecessary lawsuits, agencies must ensure sworn officers receive the proper training
on constitutional policing and how to uphold a citizen's civil liberties.
SECTION 1983 LIABILITY 3
Section 1983 Liability
Police officers often make split-second decisions that may not always fall within the
