Buckley v. Fitzsimmons
United States Supreme Court
509 U.S. 259 (1993)
- Written by David Bloom, JD
Facts
J. Michael Fitzsimmons (defendant), a prosecutor, was involved in a preliminary investigation of a crime. The preliminary investigation resulted in the convening of a special grand jury. The special grand jury returned an indictment against Stephen Buckley (plaintiff). Fitzsimmons held a press conference announcing the indictment. Buckley was arrested several months after the indictment. The charges against Buckley were eventually dropped. Buckley sued Fitzsimmons for damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Buckley alleged that during the preliminary criminal investigation, before the special grand jury was convened, Fitzsimmons fabricated evidence involving a boot print at the scene of the crime. Buckley further alleged that Fitzsimmons made false statements at the press conference. Fitzsimmons defended the lawsuit on immunity grounds.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stevens, J.)
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