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Hafer v. Melo
United States Supreme Court
502 U.S. 21 (1991)
- Written by Whitney Kamerzel , JD
Facts
Barbara Hafer (defendant) was elected as the auditor general of Pennsylvania. To fulfill a campaign promise, Hafer fired several employees, including James Melo, Jr. (plaintiff), who allegedly received employment by paying government officials. Melo sued Hafer, alleging a violation of his constitutional rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The district court dismissed the claim against Hafer, holding that Hafer could not be individually liable for damages caused in her official capacity. The court of appeals reversed, and Hafer appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (O’Connor, J.)
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