BARBARA HAFER, PETITIONER v. JAMES C. MELO, JR., ET AL., 502 U.S. 21

Summary

Petitioner won election to the post of auditor general of Pennsylvania. Respondents sued petitioner, individually and in her official capacity, in federal court, after she discharged them from their employment in her office, alleging that such action was in violation of 42 U.S.C.S. § 1983. The lower court held that § 1983 claims were barred because petitioner could not be held liable for employment decisions made in her official capacity. Respondents appealed and the appellate court reversed that portion of the lower court's decision. The appellate court stated that a suit could be brought against petitioner in her personal capacity to recover damages because she acted under color of state law. Petitioner appealed and, on grant of certiorari, the United States Supreme Court affirmed the appellate court. The Court held that state officials, sued in their individual capacities, are "persons" within the meaning of 42 U.S.C.S. § 1983 and that U.S. Const. amend XI did not bar such suits. ...