Section 1983 Claim Eligibility Checker
This tool evaluates whether a potential civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 meets the core legal elements required for viability. It is not legal advice.
Formula & Scoring Methodology
Each of the 7 legal elements is scored: Met (2 pts), Partial (1 pt), or Not Met (0 pts). Certain findings are Disqualifying (−∞) and render the claim non-viable regardless of other scores.
| Score Range | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Any Disqualifying Finding | Claim Likely Not Viable |
| 12–14 pts (86–100%) | Strong § 1983 Claim Indicators |
| 9–11 pts (64–85%) | Moderate § 1983 Claim Indicators |
| 6–8 pts (43–63%) | Weak § 1983 Claim Indicators |
| 0–5 pts (0–42%) | Unlikely § 1983 Claim |
Assumptions & Legal References
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 – Civil action for deprivation of rights; requires (1) state actor, (2) acting under color of law, (3) deprivation of a constitutional or federal right, (4) causation and injury.
- Color of Law – Lugar v. Edmondson Oil Co., 457 U.S. 922 (1982); West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42 (1988) (private contractors).
- Federal Rights Only – Gonzaga Univ. v. Doe, 536 U.S. 273 (2002) (not all federal statutes create § 1983 rights).
- Qualified Immunity – Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800 (1982); Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223 (2009).
- Absolute Immunity – Imbler v. Pachtman, 424 U.S. 409 (1976) (prosecutors); Stump v. Sparkman, 435 U.S. 349 (1978) (judges).
- Sovereign Immunity / States – Will v. Michigan Dept. of State Police, 491 U.S. 58 (1989); Ex parte Young, 209 U.S. 123 (1908) (prospective injunctive relief exception).
- Municipal Liability (Monell) – Monell v. Dept. of Social Services of NYC, 436 U.S. 658 (1978); City of Canton v. Harris, 489 U.S. 378 (1989) (failure to train).
- Damages – Carey v. Piphus, 435 U.S. 247 (1978) (nominal damages); Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski, 592 U.S. 279 (2021) (nominal damages confer standing).
- PLRA Exhaustion – 42 U.S.C. § 1997e(a); Porter v. Nussle, 534 U.S. 516 (2002); Woodford v. Ngo, 548 U.S. 81 (2006).
- Statute of Limitations – Wilson v. Garcia, 471 U.S. 261 (1985) (borrow state personal injury SOL); typically 2–3 years depending on state.
- Bivens Actions – Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971) (federal officer analog to § 1983).
- This tool does not constitute legal advice. Results are educational estimates only.