defense of qualified immunity in North Carolina

29 North Carolina opinions name it 2 courts 1963–2022 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by North Carolina courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (8)

Case	Followed	Cited
Pritchett v. Alfordgreen ca1 · 1992 · cited in 4 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 1994–1999 2 sentences 1999Pritchett v. Alford, 973 F.2d 307, 312 (4th Cir. 1992). 1995Pritchett v. Alford, 973 F.2d 307, 312 (4th Cir. 1992).	3	4
Harlow v. Fitzgeraldgreen scotus · 1982 · cited in 3 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 1997–2007 2 sentences 2007App. 68, 75-76 , 547 135 S.E.2d 117, 122, disc. review denied, 354 N.C. 215 , 553 S.E.2d 907 (2001) (quoting Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 , 102 S.Ct. 2727, 2738 , 73 L. 2007App. 68, 75-76 , 547 135 S.E.2d 117, 122, disc. review denied, 354 N.C. 215 , 553 S.E.2d 907 (2001) (quoting Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 , 102 S.Ct. 2727, 2738 , 73 L.	2	3
Presnell v. Pellgreen nc · 1979 · cited in 2 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 1982–1986 2 sentences 1986App. at 436 , 293 S.E. 2d at 915 , quoting Presnell v. Pell, 298 N.C. 715, 720 , 260 S.E. 2d 611, 614 (1979) (emphases in original). 1986App. at 436 , 293 S.E. 2d at 915 , quoting Presnell v. Pell, 298 N.C. 715, 720 , 260 S.E. 2d 611, 614 (1979) (emphases in original).	2	2
Toomer v. Garrettgreen ncctapp · 2002 · cited in 2 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2014–2017 2 sentences 2017"The defense of qualified immunity shields government officials from personal liability under § 1983 insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known." Toomer v. Garrett , 155 N.C. 2014“The defense of qualified immunity shields government officials from personal liability under § 1983 ‘insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.’ ” Toomer v. Garrett, 155 N.C.	1	2
Lee v. Greenegreen ncctapp · 1994 · cited in 2 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2003–2007 2 sentences 2007Lee v. Greene, 114 N.C. 2003“Therefore, ruling on a defense of qualified immunity requires (1) identification of the specific right allegedly violated; (2) determining whether at the time of the alleged violation the right was clearly established; and (3) if so, then determining whether a reasonable person in the officer’s position would have known that his actions violated that right.” Lee v. Greene, 114 N.C.	1	2
Gregory v. Kilbridegreen ncctapp · 2002 · cited in 1 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007 2 sentences 2007Defendants rely upon a prior holding of this Court that “[t]he denial of a motion for summary judgment based on the defense of qualified immunity does affect a substantial right and is immediately appealable.” Gregory v. Kilbride, 150 N.C. 2007When stating that “[t]he denial of a motion for summary judgment based on the defense of qualified immunity does affect a substantial right and is immediately appealable[,]” Gregory, 150 N.C.	1	1
Rousselo v. Starlinggreen ncctapp · 1998 · cited in 1 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002 2 sentences 2002See Rousselo v. Starling, 128 N.C.App. 439 , 495 S.E.2d 725 (1998). 2002See Rousselo v. Starling, 128 N.C.App. 439 , 495 S.E.2d 725 (1998).	1	1
Robinson v. Nationwide Insurance Companygreen nc · 1968 · cited in 1 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979 2 sentences 1979Where a statement is “libel per se,” that is, “a false written statement which on its face is defamatory,” Robinson v. Insurance Co., 273 N.C. 391, 393 , 159 S.E. 2d 896, 899 (1968), there is a presumption of malice. 1979Where a statement is “libel per se,” that is, “a false written statement which on its face is defamatory,” Robinson v. Insurance Co., 273 N.C. 391, 393 , 159 S.E. 2d 896, 899 (1968), there is a presumption of malice.	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in North Carolina. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (23)

Case	Cited	Years
Corum v. University of North Carolina green · 1992 2 sentences 2014Corum, 330 N.C. at 772 , 413 S.E.2d at 283 . 2014Corum, 330 N.C. at 772 , 413 S.E.2d at 283 .	4	1995–2014
Washington Water Power Co. v. Spokane Indian Tribe green scotus · 1992 2 sentences 2001Id. 1998In Corum v. University of North Carolina, 330 N.C. 761 , 413 S.E.2d 276 , cert. denied, 506 U.S. 985 , 121 L.	4	1995–2001
Andrews v. Crump green ncctapp · 2001 2 sentences 2007The defense of qualified immunity shields government officials from personal liability “ ‘insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.’ ” Andrews v. Crump, 144 N.C. 2002The defense of qualified immunity shields government officials from personal liability under § 1983 “ ‘insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.’ ” Andrews v. Crump, 144 N.C.	3	2002–2014
Long v. Vertical Technologies, Inc. green ncctapp · 1994 2 sentences 2022Judgment on the pleadings was improper. ¶ 16 Additionally, even assuming arguendo that qualified privilege applies, Plaintiff has alleged actual malice sufficient to defeat Sheriff Defendants’ motion for judgment on the pleadings. “[A] qualified privilege may be lost by proof of actual malice on the part of the defendant.” Long v. Vertical Techs., Inc., 113 N.C. 2022Judgment on the pleadings was improper. ¶ 16 Additionally, even assuming arguendo that qualified privilege applies, Plaintiff has alleged actual malice sufficient to defeat Sheriff Defendants’ motion for judgment on the pleadings. “[A] qualified privilege may be lost by proof of actual malice on the part of the defendant.” Long v. Vertical Techs., Inc., 113 N.C.	2	2022–2022
Cheek v. Sutton neutral nc · 2001 2 sentences 2007App. 68, 75-76 , 547 135 S.E.2d 117, 122, disc. review denied, 354 N.C. 215 , 553 S.E.2d 907 (2001) (quoting Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 , 102 S.Ct. 2727, 2738 , 73 L. 2002*App. 68, 75-76 , 547 S.E.2d 117, 122 , disc. review denied, 354 N.C. 215 , 553 S.E.2d 907 (2001) (quoting Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 , 73 L.	2	2002–2007
Andrews v. Crump neutral nc · 2001 2 sentences 2007App. 68, 75-76 , 547 135 S.E.2d 117, 122, disc. review denied, 354 N.C. 215 , 553 S.E.2d 907 (2001) (quoting Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 , 102 S.Ct. 2727, 2738 , 73 L. 2002*App. 68, 75-76 , 547 S.E.2d 117, 122 , disc. review denied, 354 N.C. 215 , 553 S.E.2d 907 (2001) (quoting Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 , 73 L.	2	2002–2007
Kroh v. Kroh green ncctapp · 2002 1 sentence 2013Kroh v. Kroh, 152 N.C.	1	2013–2013
Webb Ex Rel. Bumgarner v. Nicholson green ncctapp · 2006 2 sentences 2009Plaintiff sued defendant in his individual capacity, but in order to surmount the defense of qualified immunity, she must show that defendant’s alleged tortious conduct was “ ‘malicious,’ ” “ ‘corrupt,’ ” or “ ‘outside the scope of [his] official authority.’ ” Webb v. Nicholson, 178 N.C. 2009Plaintiff sued defendant in his individual capacity, but in order to surmount the defense of qualified immunity, she must show that defendant’s alleged tortious conduct was “ ‘malicious,’ ” “ ‘corrupt,’ ” or “ ‘outside the scope of [his] official authority.’ ” Webb v. Nicholson, 178 N.C.	1	2009–2009
Mabrey v. Smith green ncctapp · 2001 1 sentence 2009App. 362, 366 , 634 S.E.2d 545, 547 (2006) (quoting Mabrey v. Smith, 144 N.C.	1	2009–2009
Gregory v. Kilbride green nc · 2003 2 sentences 2007App. 601, 615 , 565 S.E.2d 685, 695 (2002), disc. review denied, 357 N.C. 164 , 580 S.E.2d 365 (2003). 2007App. 601, 615 , 565 S.E.2d 685, 695 (2002), disc. review denied, 357 N.C. 164 , 580 S.E.2d 365 (2003).	1	2007–2007
Linn v. United Plant Guard Workers of America, Local 114 green scotus · 1966 2 sentences 2003In Bouligny, our Supreme Court interpreted the United States Supreme Court’s holding in Linn v. Plant Guard Workers, 383 U.S. 53 , 15 L.Ed.2d 582 (1966) to mean that, the defense of qualified privilege extends to statements spoken or published in good faith by a labor union in the course of a campaign to solicit members or to establish itself as the authorized representative of the employees in a business enterprise in their collective bargaining with their employer, provided there is a reasonable relation between such objective and the statement made. 2003In Bouligny, our Supreme Court interpreted the United States Supreme Court’s holding in Linn v. Plant Guard Workers, 383 U.S. 53 , 15 L.Ed.2d 582 (1966) to mean that, the defense of qualified privilege extends to statements spoken or published in good faith by a labor union in the course of a campaign to solicit members or to establish itself as the authorized representative of the employees in a business enterprise in their collective bargaining with their employer, provided there is a reasonable relation between such objective and the statement made.	1	2003–2003
Simeon v. Hardin green nc · 1997 1 sentence 2003Ed. 2d 396, 410 , (1982)), cert. denied, 347 N.C. 270 , 493 S.E.2d 746 (1997). *375 To determine whether a legitimate defense of qualified immunity exists, this Court has summarized the analysis as follows: “Ruling on a defense of qualified immunity requires (1) identification of the specific right allegedly violated; (2) determining whether at the time of the alleged violation the right was clearly established; and (3) if so, then determining whether a reasonable person in the officer’s position would have known that his actions violated that right.	1	2003–2003
RH Bouligny, Inc. v. United Steelworkers of Amer. green nc · 1967 2 sentences 2003Bouligny, 270 N.C. at 172 , 154 S.E.2d at 355 . 2003Bouligny, 270 N.C. at 172 , 154 S.E.2d at 355 .	1	2003–2003
Roberts v. Swain green nc · 1997 1 sentence 2003Ed. 2d 396, 410 , (1982)), cert. denied, 347 N.C. 270 , 493 S.E.2d 746 (1997). *375 To determine whether a legitimate defense of qualified immunity exists, this Court has summarized the analysis as follows: “Ruling on a defense of qualified immunity requires (1) identification of the specific right allegedly violated; (2) determining whether at the time of the alleged violation the right was clearly established; and (3) if so, then determining whether a reasonable person in the officer’s position would have known that his actions violated that right.	1	2003–2003
Barnett v. Karpinos green ncctapp · 1995 1 sentence 1998Barnett v. Karpinos, 119 N.C.	1	1998–1998
Espelita v. Derwinski green scotus · 1992 1 sentence 1998In Corum v. University of North Carolina, 330 N.C. 761 , 413 S.E.2d 276 , cert. denied, 506 U.S. 985 , 121 L.	1	1998–1998
Cameron v. New Hanover Memorial Hospital, Inc. green ncctapp · 1982 2 sentences 1986The cases relied on in Cameron for the existence of such a privilege were libel actions in which the defense of qualified privilege arises where: ‘(1) a communication is made in good faith, (2) the subject and scope of the communication is one in which the party uttering it has a valid interest to uphold, or in reference to which he has a legal right or duty, and (3) the communication is made to a person or persons having a corresponding interest, right, or duty.’ Cameron v. New Hanover Memorial Hospital, 58 N.C. 1986App. at 436 , 293 S.E. 2d at 915 , quoting Presnell v. Pell, 298 N.C. 715, 720 , 260 S.E. 2d 611, 614 (1979) (emphases in original).	1	1986–1986
Jones v. Hester green nc · 1963 2 sentences 1978Jones v. Hester, 260 N.C. 264 , 132 S.E.2d 586 (1963). 1978Jones v. Hester, 260 N.C. 264 , 132 S.E.2d 586 (1963).	1	1978–1978
Yancey v. Gillespie green nc · 1955 2 sentences 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 . 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 .	1	1963–1963
Riley v. . Stone green nc · 1917 2 sentences 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 . 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 .	1	1963–1963
Gattis v. Kilgo. green nc · 1905	1	1963–1963
Harrison v. Garrett. green nc · 1903 2 sentences 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 . 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 .	1	1963–1963
Chambers v. Leiser green wash · 1906 2 sentences 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 . 1963Harrison v. Garrett, 132 N.C. 172 , 43 S.E. 594 ; Gattis v. Kilgo, 140 N.C. 106 , 52 S.E. 249 ; Riley v. Stone, 174 N.C. 588 , 94 S.E. 434 ; Yancey v. Gillespie, 242 N.C. 227 , 87 S.E. 2d 210 ; Chambers v. Leiser, 43 Wash. 285 , 86 P. 627 .	1	1963–1963

Statutes the citing opinions construe

USC § 42u.s.c.1983 (17) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1 (10) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-277 (4) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (3) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-223 (3) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-485 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

NY 46 (1944–2024) TX 35 (1978–2024) OH 34 (1980–2026) NC 29 (1963–2022) NJ 20 (1975–2025) AL 18 (1991–2025) CA 15 (1921–2017) MA 14 (1991–2026) CT 12 (1992–2009) MD 11 (1959–2020) FL 11 (1981–2010) NM 10 (1964–2024) MI 9 (1987–2019) PA 9 (1938–2025) MO 9 (1954–2000) DC 8 (1970–2024) WV 8 (1943–2023) CO 7 (1990–2002) WY 7 (1989–2021) SC 7 (1962–2015) LA 6 (1977–2008) IA 6 (1972–2013) MS 6 (1991–2005) WI 6 (1987–2000) AZ 6 (1970–2011) SD 6 (1993–2021) TN 5 (1996–2011) GA 5 (1992–2015) WA 4 (1978–2024) KS 4 (1994–2013) VA 4 (1985–2014) IN 4 (1977–1989) OK 4 (1981–2017) OR 4 (1960–2012) ME 3 (1998–2023) ID 3 (1987–2004) IL 3 (1975–2006) AR 3 (1987–2013) NE 2 (1931–1999) VT 2 (2024–2024) MN 2 (1994–1997) RI 2 (1992–2023)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check

Your account

Appearance