42 U.S.C. § 1983

42 U.S.C. § 1983 is a U.S. law that allows individuals to sue state or local government officials for violating their constitutional rights. It is often used when someone believes their rights, such as free speech or due process, have been infringed upon by government actions. The law holds public officials accountable for misconduct. To succeed in a § 1983 claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the officials acted under the authority of the government and that their actions were unlawful under the Constitution.