Public Administrative Liability for Constitutional Torts,the Rehnquist Court,and Public Administration

Abstract

Under the Burger Supreme Court (1969-1986) public administrative liability for violation of individuals' constitutional rights increased dramatically. In consequence, public administrators were well advised to develop knowledge of the constitutional law pertaining to their jobs and to incorporate constitutional values and requirements into their official actions. An analysis of public-sector liability decisions by the Rehnquist Court from 1986 through 1990 indicates that it has taken an incremental approach to dealing with the issues posed and has not staked out a markedly new direction or rollback to the pre-Burger years. In particular, this article analyzes Rehnquist Court liability decisions dealing with state action; coverage, respondeat superior, absolute immunity, and several process issues.

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