Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988 (Westfall Act)

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Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988 (Westfall Act)

Definition

The Westfall Act grants federal employees absolute immunity from private tort liability lawsuits related to negligent or wrongful acts committed by the employee within the scope of their employment. There are two exceptions to Westfall Act immunity: (1) Bivens claims related to constitutional violations by federal employees; and (2) actions pursuant to a federal statute that specifically authorizes tort lawsuits against federal employees.

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— In re Iraq and Afghanistan Detainees Litigation

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