qualified immunity (North Dakota) · Go Syfert
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qualified immunity in North Dakota

17 North Dakota opinions name it 2 courts 1991–2025 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by North Dakota 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 (18)

CaseFollowedCited
Soentgen v. Quain & Ramstad Clinic, P.C.green
nd · 1991 · cited in 7 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1996–2013
2 sentences

2013MeritCare also argues it is immune from liability under N.D.C.C. § 34-02-18(2) and has a qualified privilege for its responses to the questionnaire under N.D.C.C. § 14-02-05(3) and Soentgen v. Quain & Ramstad Clinic, P.C., 467 N.W.2d 73, 77-80 (N.D.1991). [¶ 11] Under N.D.

2013Because of our resolution of this issue, we need not address MeritCare’s arguments about the validity of Dr. Schmitt’s authorization for MeritCare to respond to the questionnaire, or the application of either the immunity provisions of N.D.C.C. § 34-02-18(2) or the qualified privilege provisions of N.D.C.C. § 14-02-05(3) and Soentgen, 467 N.W.2d at 77-80 , to Dr. Schmitt’s defamation claim.

57
Livingood v. Meecegreen
nd · 1991 · cited in 2 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1994–1996
2 sentences

1996As we explained in Livingood v. Meece, 477 N.W.2d 183, 192 (N.D.1991), this doctrine recognizes the need for government officials to be free from harassing lawsuits and from apprehension of personal liability when they reasonably exercise authority and discretion while performing their duties in the public interest.

1994In Livingood v. Meece, 477 N.W.2d at 192, the North Dakota Supreme Court explained the requirements of “qualified immunity”: “The doctrine of qualified immunity recognizes the need of government officials to be free from harassing lawsuits and apprehension of personal liability when they exercise authority and discretion while performing their jobs in the public interest.

22
Morris v. Cliffordgreen
ca8 · 1990 · cited in 2 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1991–1994
2 sentences

1994See Morris v. Clifford, 903 F.2d 574, 579 (8th Cir.1990), and cases cited therein.” We consider the individual state defendants’ alleged conduct in the context of whether it violated clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.

1991See Morris v. Clifford, 903 F.2d 574, 579 (8th Cir.1990), and cases cited therein.

22
Richmond v. Nodlandgreen
nd · 1996 · cited in 4 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2003–2023
2 sentences

2023“A qualified privilege is abused ‘if statements are made with actual malice, without reasonable grounds for believing them to be true, and on a subject matter irrelevant to the common interest or duty.’” Richmond, 552 N.W.2d at 589 .

2022However, a qualified privilege “may be abused and does not provide absolute immunity from liability for defamation.” Id. (quoting Richmond, 552 N.W.2d at 588 ).

14
Carradine v. Stategreen
minn · 1994 · cited in 2 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
2 sentences

2010Id. at 149-51. [¶ 15] In Carradine , the Minnesota Supreme Court considered an arrestee’s defamation claim against an arresting officer for statements made in a police report and for statements made to the news media. 511 N.W.2d at 734 .

2010Id. at 735-37 .

12
Wishnatsky v. Bergquistgreen
nd · 1996 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025The exercise of this Court’s supervisory jurisdiction is warranted “if a district court’s decision contradicts North Dakota statutes and precedent,” or when “matters of important public interest are presented.” City of Mandan v. Strata Corp., 2012 ND 173, ¶ 10 , 819 N.W.2d 557 ; Sauvageau v. Bailey, 2022 ND 86, ¶ 7 , 973 N.W.2d 207 (quoting Wilkinson v. Bd. of Univ., 2020 ND 179, ¶ 17 , 947 N.W.2d 910 ). [¶15] Qualified immunity is “immunity from suit rather than a mere defense to liability.” Wishnatsky v. Bergquist, 550 N.W.2d 394, 400 (N.D. 1996) (cleaned up).

2025It is “an entitlement not to stand trial or face the other burdens of litigation, and it is effectively lost if a case is erroneously permitted to go to trial.” Id. at 401 .

11
Krile v. Lawyergreen
· 2020 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
2 sentences

2022Krile, 2020 ND 176, ¶ 38 .

2022N.D.C.C. § 14-02-05. 6 [¶21] “The analysis of a qualified privilege requires a two-step process to determine: (1) if a communication’s attending circumstances necessitate a qualified privilege; and (2) if so, whether the privilege was abused.” Krile, 2020 ND 176, ¶ 36 (quoting Khokha v. Shahin, 2009 ND 110, ¶ 26 , 767 N.W.2d 159 ).

11
Masson v. New Yorker Magazine, Inc.green
scotus · 1991 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022See Masson v. New Yorker Magazine, Inc., 501 U.S. 496, 510 (1991) (explaining “Actual malice under the New York Times standard should not be confused with the concept of malice as an evil intent or a motive arising from spite or ill will.”).

11
Riemers v. Mahargreen
nd · 2008 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
2 sentences

2022See Riemers v. Mahar, 2008 ND 95, ¶ 19 , 748 N.W.2d 714 .

2022See Riemers v. Mahar, 2008 ND 95, ¶ 19 , 748 N.W.2d 714 .

11
Habiger v. City of Fargogreen
ca8 · 1996 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
2 sentences

1996Elder, 510 U.S. at 513-14 , 114 S.Ct. at 1022 ; see also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d 289 , 295 (8th Cir.1996) (“The qualified immunity doctrine allows officers to make reasonable errors so that they do not always ‘err on the side of caution,’ ” citing Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 229 , 112 S.Ct. 534, 537 , 116 L.Ed.2d 589 (1991)).

1996As summarized by the court in Sanders v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 984 F.2d 972, 976 (8th Cir.1993): “What matters in a qualified immunity inquiry is whether a reasonable officer could have believed the arrest to be lawful.” See also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d at 295 (“ ‘[t]he issue for immunity purposes is not probable cause in fact but arguable probable cause,’ ... that is, whether the officer should have known that the arrest violated plaintiffs clearly established right, (citations omitted)).

11
Hunter v. Bryantgreen
scotus · 1991 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
2 sentences

1996Elder, 510 U.S. at 513-14 , 114 S.Ct. at 1022 ; see also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d 289 , 295 (8th Cir.1996) (“The qualified immunity doctrine allows officers to make reasonable errors so that they do not always ‘err on the side of caution,’ ” citing Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 229 , 112 S.Ct. 534, 537 , 116 L.Ed.2d 589 (1991)).

1996Elder, 510 U.S. at 513-14 , 114 S.Ct. at 1022 ; see also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d 289 , 295 (8th Cir.1996) (“The qualified immunity doctrine allows officers to make reasonable errors so that they do not always ‘err on the side of caution,’ ” citing Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 229 , 112 S.Ct. 534, 537 , 116 L.Ed.2d 589 (1991)).

11
Ronny J. Sanders v. Sears, Roebuck & Company, a New York Corporation Daniel J. Geigergreen
ca8 · 1993 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
2 sentences

1996As summarized by the court in Sanders v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 984 F.2d 972, 976 (8th Cir.1993): “What matters in a qualified immunity inquiry is whether a reasonable officer could have believed the arrest to be lawful.” See also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d at 295 (“ ‘[t]he issue for immunity purposes is not probable cause in fact but arguable probable cause,’ ... that is, whether the officer should have known that the arrest violated plaintiffs clearly established right, (citations omitted)).

1996As summarized by the court in Sanders v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., *402 984 F.2d 972, 976 (8th Cir.1993): "What matters in a qualified immunity inquiry is whether a reasonable officer could have believed the arrest to be lawful." See also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d at 295 ("`[t]he issue for immunity purposes is not probable cause in fact but arguable probable cause,' ... that is, whether the officer should have known that the arrest violated plaintiff's clearly established right, ...'" (citations omitted)).

11
Ennis v. Dasovickgreen
nd · 1993 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
2 sentences

1996Ennis v. Dasovick, 506 N.W.2d 386, 393 (N.D.1993); Livingood, 477 N.W.2d at 194.

1996Ennis v. Dasovick, 506 N.W.2d 386, 393 (N.D.1993); Livingood, 477 N.W.2d at 194 .

11
Malley v. Briggsgreen
scotus · 1986 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
2 sentences

1996The qualified immunity standard “gives ample room for mistaken judgments” by protecting “all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the law.” Malley, supra, 475 U.S., at 343, 341 , 106 S.Ct., at 1097, 1096 .

1996The qualified immunity standard “gives ample room for mistaken judgments” by protecting “all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the law.” Malley, supra, 475 U.S., at 343, 341 , 106 S.Ct., at 1097, 1096 .

11
Pierson v. Raygreen
scotus · 1967 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
11
Sibley v. Lutheran Hospital of Maryland, Inc.green
mdd · 1989 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
11
Giacalone v. Abramsgreen
ca2 · 1988 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
11
Sibley v. Lutheran Hospital Of Marylandgreen
ca4 · 1989 · cited in 1 North Dakota opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in North Dakota. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (20)

CaseCitedYears
Fish v. Dockter green
nd · 2003
2 sentences

2022“A qualified privilege is abused if statements are made with actual malice, without reasonable grounds for believing them to be true, on a subject matter irrelevant to the common interest or duty.” Krile, at ¶ 37 (quoting Fish v. Dockter, 2003 ND 185, ¶ 13 , 671 N.W.2d 819 ).

2022“A qualified privilege is abused if statements are made with actual malice, without reasonable grounds for believing them to be true, on a subject matter irrelevant to the common interest or duty.” Krile, at ¶ 37 (quoting Fish v. Dockter, 2003 ND 185, ¶ 13 , 671 N.W.2d 819 ).

22004–2022
Butz v. Economou green
scotus · 1978
2 sentences

1994Butz v. Economou, 438 U.S. 478, 506-507 , 98 S.Ct. 2894, 2911 , 57 L.Ed.2d 895 (1978).

1994Butz v. Economou, 438 U.S. 478, 506-507 , 98 S.Ct. 2894, 2911 , 57 L.Ed.2d 895 (1978).

21991–1994
Mitchell v. Forsyth green
scotus · 1985
2 sentences

1994Although the applicability of the qualified immunity defense is ordinarily a question of law [Mitchell v. Forsyth, 472 U.S. 511, 528 , 105 S.Ct. 2806, 2816 , 86 L.Ed.2d 411 (1985) ], under some circumstances, resolution of the issue may require that a factfinder determine the reasonableness of the official’s actions.

1994Although the applicability of the qualified immunity defense is ordinarily a question of law [Mitchell v. Forsyth, 472 U.S. 511, 528 , 105 S.Ct. 2806, 2816 , 86 L.Ed.2d 411 (1985) ], under some circumstances, resolution of the issue may require that a factfinder determine the reasonableness of the official’s actions.

21991–1994
Wilkinson v. Board of University and School Lands of the State of N.D. green
nd · 2020
1 sentence

2025The exercise of this Court’s supervisory jurisdiction is warranted “if a district court’s decision contradicts North Dakota statutes and precedent,” or when “matters of important public interest are presented.” City of Mandan v. Strata Corp., 2012 ND 173, ¶ 10 , 819 N.W.2d 557 ; Sauvageau v. Bailey, 2022 ND 86, ¶ 7 , 973 N.W.2d 207 (quoting Wilkinson v. Bd. of Univ., 2020 ND 179, ¶ 17 , 947 N.W.2d 910 ). [¶15] Qualified immunity is “immunity from suit rather than a mere defense to liability.” Wishnatsky v. Bergquist, 550 N.W.2d 394, 400 (N.D. 1996) (cleaned up).

12025–2025
Perry Center, Inc. v. Heitkamp green
nd · 1998
2 sentences

2025Perry Ctr., Inc. v. Heitkamp, 1998 ND 78, ¶ 39 , 576 N.W.2d 505 ; State v. Thesing, 2024 ND 219, ¶ 6 , 14 N.W.3d 574 . 6 [¶19] In counts II and III of the complaint, Wagendorf and Nelson are alleged to have deprived the Park of its property interest in an operating license without the substantive and procedural due process afforded under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 .

2025Perry Ctr., Inc. v. Heitkamp, 1998 ND 78, ¶ 39 , 576 N.W.2d 505 ; State v. Thesing, 2024 ND 219, ¶ 6 , 14 N.W.3d 574 . 6 [¶19] In counts II and III of the complaint, Wagendorf and Nelson are alleged to have deprived the Park of its property interest in an operating license without the substantive and procedural due process afforded under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 .

12025–2025
City of Mandan v. Strata Corp. green
nd · 2012
1 sentence

2025The exercise of this Court’s supervisory jurisdiction is warranted “if a district court’s decision contradicts North Dakota statutes and precedent,” or when “matters of important public interest are presented.” City of Mandan v. Strata Corp., 2012 ND 173, ¶ 10 , 819 N.W.2d 557 ; Sauvageau v. Bailey, 2022 ND 86, ¶ 7 , 973 N.W.2d 207 (quoting Wilkinson v. Bd. of Univ., 2020 ND 179, ¶ 17 , 947 N.W.2d 910 ). [¶15] Qualified immunity is “immunity from suit rather than a mere defense to liability.” Wishnatsky v. Bergquist, 550 N.W.2d 394, 400 (N.D. 1996) (cleaned up).

12025–2025
City of Mandan v. Strata Corp. green
nd · 2012
1 sentence

2025The exercise of this Court’s supervisory jurisdiction is warranted “if a district court’s decision contradicts North Dakota statutes and precedent,” or when “matters of important public interest are presented.” City of Mandan v. Strata Corp., 2012 ND 173, ¶ 10 , 819 N.W.2d 557 ; Sauvageau v. Bailey, 2022 ND 86, ¶ 7 , 973 N.W.2d 207 (quoting Wilkinson v. Bd. of Univ., 2020 ND 179, ¶ 17 , 947 N.W.2d 910 ). [¶15] Qualified immunity is “immunity from suit rather than a mere defense to liability.” Wishnatsky v. Bergquist, 550 N.W.2d 394, 400 (N.D. 1996) (cleaned up).

12025–2025
Eckroth v. Eckroth green
nd · 2022
1 sentence

2025The exercise of this Court’s supervisory jurisdiction is warranted “if a district court’s decision contradicts North Dakota statutes and precedent,” or when “matters of important public interest are presented.” City of Mandan v. Strata Corp., 2012 ND 173, ¶ 10 , 819 N.W.2d 557 ; Sauvageau v. Bailey, 2022 ND 86, ¶ 7 , 973 N.W.2d 207 (quoting Wilkinson v. Bd. of Univ., 2020 ND 179, ¶ 17 , 947 N.W.2d 910 ). [¶15] Qualified immunity is “immunity from suit rather than a mere defense to liability.” Wishnatsky v. Bergquist, 550 N.W.2d 394, 400 (N.D. 1996) (cleaned up).

12025–2025
Sauvageau v. Bailey green
nd · 2022
1 sentence

2025The exercise of this Court’s supervisory jurisdiction is warranted “if a district court’s decision contradicts North Dakota statutes and precedent,” or when “matters of important public interest are presented.” City of Mandan v. Strata Corp., 2012 ND 173, ¶ 10 , 819 N.W.2d 557 ; Sauvageau v. Bailey, 2022 ND 86, ¶ 7 , 973 N.W.2d 207 (quoting Wilkinson v. Bd. of Univ., 2020 ND 179, ¶ 17 , 947 N.W.2d 910 ). [¶15] Qualified immunity is “immunity from suit rather than a mere defense to liability.” Wishnatsky v. Bergquist, 550 N.W.2d 394, 400 (N.D. 1996) (cleaned up).

12025–2025
State v. Thesing neutral
nd · 2024
1 sentence

2025Perry Ctr., Inc. v. Heitkamp, 1998 ND 78, ¶ 39 , 576 N.W.2d 505 ; State v. Thesing, 2024 ND 219, ¶ 6 , 14 N.W.3d 574 . 6 [¶19] In counts II and III of the complaint, Wagendorf and Nelson are alleged to have deprived the Park of its property interest in an operating license without the substantive and procedural due process afforded under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 .

12025–2025
Krile v. Lawyer green
nd · 2022
2 sentences

2023Id. [¶17] The defendants claim that any statements they made to law enforcement during the investigation of Kluver’s criminal activity are qualifiedly privileged.

2023Actual malice in this context “is not the same as the constitutional standard of actual malice that a plaintiff must prove when the person is a public figure bringing a defamation claim.” Krile, 2022 ND 28, ¶ 22 .

12023–2023
Khokha v. Shahin neutral
nd · 2009
2 sentences

2022N.D.C.C. § 14-02-05. 6 [¶21] “The analysis of a qualified privilege requires a two-step process to determine: (1) if a communication’s attending circumstances necessitate a qualified privilege; and (2) if so, whether the privilege was abused.” Krile, 2020 ND 176, ¶ 36 (quoting Khokha v. Shahin, 2009 ND 110, ¶ 26 , 767 N.W.2d 159 ).

2022N.D.C.C. § 14-02-05. 6 [¶21] “The analysis of a qualified privilege requires a two-step process to determine: (1) if a communication’s attending circumstances necessitate a qualified privilege; and (2) if so, whether the privilege was abused.” Krile, 2020 ND 176, ¶ 36 (quoting Khokha v. Shahin, 2009 ND 110, ¶ 26 , 767 N.W.2d 159 ).

12022–2022
Jose v. Norwest Bank North Dakota, N.A. green
nd · 1999
2 sentences

2003Jose v. Norwest Bank North Dakota, 1999 ND 175, ¶ 23 , 599 N.W.2d 293 .

2003Jose v. Norwest Bank North Dakota, 1999 ND 175, ¶ 23 , 599 N.W.2d 293 .

12003–2003
W. Eugene Bridgewater v. Ron Caples green
ca8 · 1994
2 sentences

1996E.g., Bridgewater, 23 F.3d at 1449 ; Arnott, 995 F.2d at 123 .

1996E.g., Bridgewater, 23 F.3d at 1449 ; Arnott, 995 F.2d at 123 .

11996–1996
Elder v. Holloway green
scotus · 1994
2 sentences

1996Elder, 510 U.S. at 513-14 , 114 S.Ct. at 1022 ; see also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d 289 , 295 (8th Cir.1996) (“The qualified immunity doctrine allows officers to make reasonable errors so that they do not always ‘err on the side of caution,’ ” citing Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 229 , 112 S.Ct. 534, 537 , 116 L.Ed.2d 589 (1991)).

1996Elder, 510 U.S. at 513-14 , 114 S.Ct. at 1022 ; see also Habiger v. City of Fargo, 80 F.3d 289 , 295 (8th Cir.1996) (“The qualified immunity doctrine allows officers to make reasonable errors so that they do not always ‘err on the side of caution,’ ” citing Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 229 , 112 S.Ct. 534, 537 , 116 L.Ed.2d 589 (1991)).

11996–1996
George R. Arnott, Sr. v. John Mataya, Greg Connolly green
ca8 · 1993
2 sentences

1996E.g., Bridgewater, 23 F.3d at 1449 ; Arnott, 995 F.2d at 123 .

1996E.g., Bridgewater, 23 F.3d at 1449 ; Arnott, 995 F.2d at 123 .

11996–1996
Haldeman v. Total Petroleum, Inc. green
iowa · 1985
11991–1991
Scheuer v. Rhodes red
scotus · 1974
11991–1991
Frankson v. Design Space International green
minn · 1986
11991–1991
Anderson v. Creighton green
scotus · 1987
11991–1991

Statutes the citing opinions construe

USC § 42u.s.c.1983 (7) ND § N.D. Cent. Code § 14-02-04 (5) ND § N.D. Cent. Code § 14-02-03 (4) ND § N.D. Cent. Code § 27-05-06 (3) ND § N.D. Cent. Code § 28-27-01 (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 703 (1860–2025) TX 333 (1970–2025) OH 317 (1909–2026) CA 264 (1911–2026) CT 218 (1913–2026) IL 203 (1944–2026) NJ 186 (1946–2026) FL 170 (1907–2025) LA 158 (1934–2023) WA 157 (1918–2025) MI 149 (1899–2026) MD 136 (1901–2026) NC 110 (1920–2026) PA 109 (1906–2025) IN 103 (1911–2025) MA 103 (1952–2025) MN 96 (1895–2019) AL 93 (1929–2025) MS 92 (1913–2026) IA 92 (1899–2026) WV 84 (1958–2025) AZ 81 (1965–2026) CO 80 (1915–2026) MO 72 (1909–2021) AR 68 (1940–2025) VA 67 (1928–2026) KY 67 (1913–2025) DC 62 (1977–2025) GA 62 (1927–2025) VT 60 (1974–2026) NM 53 (1924–2026) KS 46 (1908–2026) ME 45 (1956–2026) OR 44 (1919–2026) TN 38 (1916–2025) WI 36 (1975–2026) OK 33 (1940–2023) SC 32 (1958–2025) RI 31 (1972–2023) WY 29 (1938–2025) HI 28 (1939–2026) UT 28 (1976–2025) ID 28 (1965–2024) DE 27 (1958–2024) SD 20 (1964–2021) NV 20 (1919–2025) NE 19 (1931–2020) NH 18 (1977–2017) ND 17 (1991–2025) AK 17 (1983–2019) MT 15 (1956–2024)

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.

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