Bivens

If a local cop violates your constitutional rights, you can sue them under the Civil Rights Act of 1871. But if a federal officer violates your constitutional rights, there’s no federal statute that lets you sue. Fifty years ago, in Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution itself provided a right of action. But ever since, it’s been paring down and stripping away that right.

Public Accountability is fighting back. We’re actively litigating cases to expand the availability of Bivens actions.