qualified immunity

Qualified Immunity

Qualified immunity is a controversial loophole that shields police officers from lawsuits. It often leaves victims of police brutality and their families neither financial or legal recourse and demonstrates how police act with impunity.

last updated: November 2021

2 States + 1 City

Banned Qualified Immunity


2 States

Limited Qualified Immunity


44 States

qualified immunity in effect


2 States

Declared qualified Immunity

Recent Legislation

2021

New Mexico

  • Abolished qualified immunity

New York City

  • Bans qualified immunity for unreasonable searches and seizures, including excessive force (only for NYPD)

2020

Colorado

  • Ended qualified immunity

Connecticut

  • Limited qualified immunity

Massachusetts

  • Revoked qualified immunity for decertified officers

Policy Momentum