Under Section 1983, private individuals can be sued only if they act under color of state law. True or False?

Under Section 1983, private individuals can be sued only if they act under color of state law. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Only in federal courts

Answer: (A)

Under Section 1983, liability attaches to those who act under color of state law and deprive someone of a federal right. Private individuals can be sued under §1983 only when their conduct is fairly attributable to the state—meaning they are acting as state actors or are jointly engaged with state officials, or otherwise involved in state action. Purely private conduct without state involvement isn’t covered by §1983. So, the statement is true.

Under Section 1983, liability attaches to those who act under color of state law and deprive someone of a federal right. Private individuals can be sued under §1983 only when their conduct is fairly attributable to the state—meaning they are acting as state actors or are jointly engaged with state officials, or otherwise involved in state action. Purely private conduct without state involvement isn’t covered by §1983. So, the statement is true.