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Burns v. Reed

United States Supreme Court

500 U.S. 478 (1991)

Facts

Richard Reed (defendant), a state prosecutor, participated in a probable-cause hearing to examine a witness and successfully helped the police acquire a search warrant. Reed also provided legal advice to the police by advising the police that probable cause existed to arrest Cathy Burns (plaintiff). Based on these actions of Reed, Burns sued Reed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for damages. The federal district court granted a directed verdict for Reed, holding that prosecutors are entitled to absolute immunity from civil suits arising out of their official duties. The court of appeals affirmed. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (White, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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