06/12/2026
How do we assess the current state of legal immunity from suit for federal law enforcement officers? What are the constitutional bases and legal history behind the status quo? Do we need reform?
Under the current U.S. legal framework, federal officials retain almost complete immunity from personal liability for violating someone's constitutional rights. Traditionally, the federal government has been the final backstop against constitutional abuses, and federal law has been designed to defend against violations by state actors. Recently, that relationship has inverted: state law has taken a lead role in responding to constitutional violations, and these responses have begun to include state-created accountability for federal officials. Recent immigration enforcement activity, particularly in Minnesota, has only brightened the spotlight on this critical and contentious constitutional question.
How can the U.S. guarantee the fundamental rights of Americans and ensure accountability for federal officials? How can states best serve this mission, while respecting the boundaries of federalism and maintaining collaborative relationships with federal law enforcement? How can states protect the constitutional rights of their citizens from excessive force, without compromising the ability of law enforcement to do its job?
Join us on Friday, June 12, at 12:00 PM ET for a discussion of these questions, the legal and constitutional questions they invoke, and what potential next steps in oversight or accountability exist.
To discuss this important topic, our webinar will feature:
Anya Bidwell, a Senior Attorney and the leader of the Project on Immunity and Accountability, Institute for Justice.
Rafael Mangual, the Nick Ohnell Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a member of the Council on Criminal Justice.
Jonathan Wroblewski, former Director of the Office of Policy and Legislation at the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice and current Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School.
Gregg Nunziata, the Society’s Executive Director, who will serve as moderator.
This webinar was approved for CLE credit for live viewers in Florida, Illinois, and Texas. Attorneys practicing law in other states were also able to get CLE credit, subject to the rules of their particular state.
This event will be on the record and open to press; for media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
