Under Color of Law, which statute provides liability for officers who violate rights?

• A. The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act
• B. 18 U.S.C. Section 2339B
• C. The Privacy Act
• D. 42 U.S.C. Section 1983

Answer: (D)

When government officials, such as police officers, act under color of law and deprive someone of constitutional or federal rights, the civil rights remedy comes from 42 U.S.C. § 1983. This statute creates a private right of action against any person who, under color of law, subjects another to the deprivation of rights secured by the Constitution or federal law. It specifically targets actions by officers acting in their official capacity, making them liable for damages or other relief for violations of rights. The other statutes listed address different legal issues: they do not establish the general private civil-rights remedy against state actors for rights violations.