At page 1460 Judicial immunity for judges and clerks from suits218 citing casesclerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process
- Erika Jacobs v. Scott Harris, No. 25-5083 (D.C. Cir. Aug. 27, 2025).unpublished([C]lerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.)
- William Windsor v. Scott Harris, No. 24-5138 (D.C. Cir. Feb. 20, 2025).unpublished([C]lerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.)
- Merlin Williams v. Jacob Levitan, No. 23-5099 (D.C. Cir. Mar. 22, 2024).unpublished([C]lerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.)
- Klayman v. Blackburne-Rigsby, No. 2021-0409 (D.D.C. June 28, 2021).published([C]lerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.)
- Carter v. Vujasinovic, No. 2019-3746 (D.D.C. Apr. 29, 2020).published(Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.)
- Mangianfico v. Stanton, No. 1:19-cv-10490 (D. Mass. Mar. 20, 2019).(clerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process)
- Hilderbrand v. Suter, No. 2014-1449 (D.D.C. Aug. 22, 2014).published(Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction)
- Grumbley v. Higgins, No. 2014-0025 (D.D.C. Jan. 3, 2014).published(Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.)
- Evans v. Brandt, No. 2026-1772 (D.D.C. June 16, 2026).publishedJudges are absolutely immune for “all actions taken in the judge's judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Rich v. Simmons, No. 2026-1311 (D.D.C. May 27, 2026).publishedFurther, “clerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks,” as alleged here, “that are an integral part of the judicial process.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
Show 32 more citing cases
- Gwen v. Jimenez, No. 2026-0417 (D.D.C. May 1, 2026).publishedMireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 11 (1991); Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460-61 (D.C.
- Hairston, Sr. v. Katsos, No. 2025-4473 (D.D.C. Apr. 14, 2026).publishedMirales v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 11-13 (1991); Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Sieber v. Dist. of Columbia, No. 2024-3247 (D.D.C. Feb. 24, 2026).publishedThe law is settled: “Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda,…
- Bolton v. Salerno, No. 2025-3334 (D.D.C. Feb. 18, 2026).publishedJudges are entitled to “absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in [their] judicial capacity.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (1993) (per curiam).
- Wilson v. Clerk, Supreme Court of the United States, No. 2026-0017 (D.D.C. Feb. 10, 2026).publishedThis immunity extends to court staff in the performance of “tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Lewis v. United States Dist. Court for the Dist. of Columbia, No. 2025-4533 (D.D.C. Feb. 3, 2026).published Absolute judicial immunity also extends to court staff in the performance of “tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Ceaser v. Walton, No. 2025-3723 (D.D.C. Jan. 2, 2026).publishedFinally, and assuming arguendo that Plaintiff had stated a claim, judges are absolutely immune from suits for money damages for “all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of…
- Am. First Legal Found. v. Roberts, No. 2025-1232 (D.D.C. Dec. 18, 2025).publishedRather, FOIA’s exclusion reflects that courts include a full range of “judicial adjuncts,” from “clerks” to “court reporters,” who performs “tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.” See Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460…
- Akansa v. United States Dep't of Com., No. 2025-0505 (D.D.C. Nov. 24, 2025).publishedTo the extent Plaintiff seeks damages from Judge Royal, judges “enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of…
- Williamson v. Walton, No. 2025-2706 (D.D.C. Nov. 21, 2025).publishedSecond, judges are absolutely immune from suits for money damages for “all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D…
- Cannady v. Kyndryl Holdings, Inc., No. 2024-3638 (D.D.C. Oct. 22, 2025).published“Judges are absolutely immune from suits for money damages for ‘all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.’” Thomas v. Wilkins, 61 F. Supp. 3d 13, 17 (D.D…
- Pindell v. Pasichow, No. 2025-1591 (D.D.C. Sept. 5, 2025).publishedMirales v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 11-13 (1991); Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Seitu v. Polkinghorn, No. 2025-1773 (D.D.C. Aug. 7, 2025).publishedJudges are absolutely immune for “all actions taken in the judge's judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Cladek v. Corrigan, No. 2025-2066 (D.D.C. July 31, 2025).publishedNov. 18, 2014) (quoting Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Miles v. United States, No. 2024-2016 (D.D.C. Apr. 18, 2025).published Absent any showing by plaintiff that the judges’ “actions [were] taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction,” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Jaiyeola v. Melgren, No. 2024-2354 (D.D.C. Apr. 17, 2025).published However, due to Defendant’s absolute judicial immunity, which would bar this action against him even if it were transferred to the District of Kansas, the second element cannot be met. “[C]lerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits f…
- Wall v. Dist. of Columbia, No. 2023-3342, 2025 WL 958233 (D.D.C. Mar. 31, 2025).publishedIn addition, the defendant judges “are entitled to absolute immunity from suits predicated on actions taken in their official capacities, unless such actions ‘are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.’” Miller v. Marriott Int’…
- Witchard v. Surampudi, No. 2024-0296 (D.D.C. Mar. 27, 2025).published“Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460…
- Ganiyu Jaiyeola v. Janet Neff, No. 24-5272 (D.C. Cir. Mar. 20, 2025).unpublished “Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460…
- Ganiyu Jaiyeola v. James O'Hara, No. 24-5245 (D.C. Cir. Mar. 19, 2025).unpublished “Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460…
- Xelup v. United States Dep't of Com., No. 2024-1241 (D.D.C. Mar. 12, 2025).published Judges generally “enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in [a] judicial capacity,” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Henry v. Roberts, No. 2024-1276 (D.D.C. Feb. 13, 2025).published“Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460…
- Beasley v. Chandler, No. 2024-2938 (D.D.C. Feb. 6, 2025).publishedCir. 2022) (per curiam) (citing Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- McDaniel v. State of North Carolina, No. 2024-2816 (D.D.C. Nov. 27, 2024).publishedFinally, the Court notes that judges and court staff are absolutely immune from suits for money damages for all actions taken in a judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. S…
- Nwosu v. Am. Express Co., No. 2024-1852 (D.D.C. Nov. 25, 2024).published Judges Ross and Lee “enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in a [] judicial capacity,” unless those actions were “taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1…
- Visconti v. Newsom, No. 2023-3147 (D.D.C. Nov. 15, 2024).publishedHere, although it is difficult to discern what Plaintiff contends that each Defendant did, it appears that believes that she was mistreated by the California judicial system, and those claims must be dismissed on grounds of absolute judici…
- Robbins v. Dwyer, No. 2024-0318 (D.D.C. Nov. 13, 2024).published And “[j]udges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Fournerat v. Higgins, No. 2024-2520 (D.D.C. Oct. 18, 2024).published Cir. 2015) (per curiam), citing Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Jaiyeola v. Neff, No. 2024-2550 (D.D.C. Oct. 16, 2024).publishedBut “[j]udges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459…
- Visconti v. Burghardt, No. 2023-3145 (D.D.C. July 23, 2024).publishedAccordingly, Visconti’s claims against Judges Burghardt and Bernal, and the “Clerks of the Central District Court,” id., must be dismissed on grounds of absolute judicial immunity, Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Wade v. Admin. Off. of the U.S. Courts, No. 2024-1123 (D.D.C. May 24, 2024).publishedJudges are absolutely immune for “all actions taken in the judge's judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1460 (D.C.
- Nabaya v. Lauck, No. 2023-2650 (D.D.C. Feb. 16, 2024).publishedDefendant’s Motion to Dismiss, filed on December 11, 2023, see Dkt. 18, was therefore timely. 3 actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.” Sindram v. Suda, 9…
At page 1461 Extending judicial immunity to auxiliary court personnel58 citing cases[I]mmunity applies to all acts of auxiliary court personnel that are basic and integral parts of the judicial function . . . .
- Henderson v. Ratner, No. 2009-0141 (D.D.C. Dec. 30, 2009).published([I]mmunity applies to all acts of auxiliary court personnel that are basic and integral parts of the judicial function . . . .)
- Broudy v. Mather, 366 F. Supp. 2d 3 (D.D.C. 2005).published (disappointed litigants, blocked by the doctrine of absolute immunity from suing the judge directly [may] vent their wrath on clerks)
- Arthur Fisher v. FNU Whitley, No. 6:24-cv-01950 (D.S.C. Apr. 1, 2025).Jackson v. Houck, 181 F. App’x 372, 373 (4th Cir. 2006) (“Absolute immunity ‘applies to all acts of auxiliary court personnel that are basic and integral part[s] of the judicial function.’” (quoting Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1461 (D.…
- Dillon-Capps v. Ohana Growth Partners, LLC, No. 1:24-cv-03744 (D. Md. Jan. 8, 2025).“Absolute immunity ‘applies to all acts of auxiliary court personnel that are basic and integral part[s] of the judicial function.’” Jackson v. Houck, 181 F. App’x 372, 373 (4th Cir. 2006) (quoting Sindram vy, Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1461 (D.…
- Holmes v. O'Hara, No. 4:24-cv-03628 (D.S.C. Dec. 13, 2024).Jackson v. Houck, 181 F. App’x 372, 373 (4th Cir. 2006) (“Absolute immunity ‘applies to all acts of auxiliary court personnel that are basic and integral part[s] of the judicial function.’” (quoting Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1461 (D.…
- Hall v. United States Off. of the Gen. Couns. Admin. Off. of the US Courts, No. 5:24-cv-01204 (N.D. Ohio July 18, 2024).Sindram v. Suda, 986 F.2d 1459, 1461 (D.C.
At page 1459 “judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge's judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction.”0 citing cases
Other citing cases
- Leitner v. United States, 725 F. Supp. 2d 36 (D.D.C. 2010).published
v.
John H. SUDA; Paul R. Webber, III; Oliver P. Corbin; Edward Jenkins; Everett O’Quinn; Frederick B. Beane, Jr. (Two Cases)
Opinion for the Court filed PER CURIAM.
ON MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY AFFIRMANCE
PER CURIAM:Appellant Michael Sindram, a frequent filer in the courts of the District of Columbia, sued in the United States District Court seeking compensatory and punitive damages from two judges and several clerks of the D.C. Superior Court. The district court dismissed the complaint as frivolous and malicious and denied as moot his postjudgment motion to reinstate his claims, which was filed two months after the dismissal. In dismissing the complaint, the court relied on the doctrine of absolute judicial immunity, noting cases from other circuits applying the doctrine to judicial clerks as well as judges. We affirm.
Judges enjoy absolute judicial immunity from suits for money damages for all actions taken in the judge’s judicial capacity, unless these actions are taken in the complete absence of all jurisdiction. See Mireles v. Waco, — U.S. —, —, 112 S.Ct. 286, 287-88, 116 L.Ed.2d 9 (1991), and cases cited therein. The actions about which Sindram complains — imposing sanctions for falsifying affidavits in support of in forma pauperis petitions and prohibiting Sindram from filing any new civil actions pro se before paying the sanctions — were well within the judges’ judicial capacity and jurisdiction as the Court in Mireles defines them.
Although this circuit has never addressed the question, we now adopt the holding of numerous other circuits that clerks, like judges, are immune from damage suits for performance of tasks that are an integral part of the judicial process.
[*1461] See, e.g., Mullis v. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Dist. of Nevada, 828 F.2d 1385, 1390 (9th Cir.1987); Foster v. Walsh, 864 F.2d 416, 417 (6th Cir.1988). These courts have concluded that the same policies underlying immunity for judges also justify a similar grant to those performing tasks intimately related to the judicial process. Suits against clerks for damages, like those against judges, are generally not necessary to control unconstitutional conduct in light of the numerous safeguards that are "built into the judicial process," especially the "correctability of error on appeal." Butz v. Economou, 438 U.S. 478, 512, 98 S.Ct. 2894, 2914, 57 L.Ed.2d 895 (1978); see also Buckley v. Fitzsimmons, 919 F.2d 1230, 1241 (7th Cir.1990) (quoting Butz and stating that "[i]f suits were the only way to impress prosecutors with the gravity of [the costs they inflict on others], damages could be a necessary evil ... [but] [c]ourts can curtail the costs of prosecutorial blunders without the need for damages"). Furthermore, if immunity were not extended to clerks, courts would face the "danger that disappointed litigants, blocked by the doctrine of absolute immunity from suing the judge directly [would] vent their wrath on clerks, court reporters, and other judicial adjuncts." See Dellenbach v. Letsinger, 889 F.2d 755, 763 (7th Cir.1989) (quoting Scruggs v. Moellering, 870 F.2d 376, 377 (7th Cir.1989)); Ashbrook v. Hoffman, 617 F.2d 474, 476 (7th Cir.1980).
Although some courts have held that clerks are not entitled to absolute immunity for performance of nondiscretionary, "ministerial" functions, see Lowe v. Letsinger, 772 F.2d 308, 313 (7th Cir.1985), or for actions that are not required by court order or judge’s direction, Williams v. Wood, 612 F.2d 982, 985 (5th Cir.1980), we agree with the Sixth Circuit that "[w]hether an act is judicial in character does not depend on whether it is discretionary." Foster, 864 F.2d at 417. Rather, immunity applies to all acts of auxiliary court personnel that are "basic and integral part[s] of the judicial function," unless those acts are done "in the clear absence of all jurisdiction." Mullis, 828 F.2d at 1390; see Dellenbach, 889 F.2d at 763. This formulation, paralleling the Supreme Court’s definition of the scope of judges’ absolute immunity, enables the immunity to operate where the need for liability in damages is low and the need for a backstop to judicial immunity high.
The acts of the court clerks about which Sindram is complaining, in so far as the complaint states them intelligibly— their “[assistance in preparing and dissemination of” the opinion of one of the defendant judges; their directing plaintiff’s causes of action to the defendant judges; and their “institutpng] an erroneous order against Plaintiff barring his access to the court”—are indisputably “integral parts of the judicial process” and are within their jurisdiction. For these reasons, the district court’s dismissal of Sindram’s complaint against both judges and clerks as frivolous and malicious was correct.
Furthermore, Sindram’s motion to reinstate his claims was not served within ten days of the dismissal and therefore was timely only if treated as a Fed.R.Civ.P. 60(b) motion. See Browder v. Director, Ill. Dep’t of Corrections, 434 U.S. 257, 263 n. 7, 98 S.Ct. 556, 560, 54 L.Ed.2d 521 (1978). Because the motion, which simply protests the dismissal of the complaint without a hearing and complains that the district court was biased, meets none of the requirements for a motion under Rule 60(b) (e.g., alleging fraud, mistake, or newly discovered evidence), the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion.
The decision of the district court is therefore
Affirmed.