Arizona State University (ASU) CRJ203 Courts and Sentencing Exam 1 Practice

Absolute immunity for judges and prosecutors refers to a legal doctrine that protects these officials from civil liability for actions taken in the performance of their official duties. This principle is rooted in the belief that for the judicial and prosecutorial functions to operate effectively, officials in these roles must be able to make decisions without the constant fear of personal legal repercussions.

This immunity ensures that judges can make rulings and prosecutors can pursue cases without the threat of being sued for their decisions, even if those decisions are later found to be erroneous or unjust. This is designed to uphold the integrity of the judicial process and to encourage fair and impartial administration of justice.

The other definitions do not accurately capture the essence of absolute immunity. For instance, while it does provide a shield against civil liability, it does not protect against all forms of legal action, such as criminal prosecution for wrongful behaviors outside the scope of their official duties. It also does not guarantee against wrongful convictions or provide any provisions for punitive measures; instead, it focuses solely on protecting officials in their legal capacities.