What type of immunity protects officials when performing judicial-type functions?

Absolute immunity is a legal doctrine that provides protection to government officials, particularly those performing roles that are judicial in nature, from being sued for actions taken in the course of their official duties. This type of immunity is rooted in the need to ensure that officials can perform their functions without the fear of personal liability, which could inhibit their ability to make decisions in the best interest of justice and public safety.

Judicial-type functions involve decision-making processes similar to those of judges, such as interpreting law, making judgments, and enforcing rules within the scope of their authority. Officials granted absolute immunity are shielded from lawsuits for actions that are within the realm of their official duties, even if those actions are deemed incorrect or unwise.

This immunity is designed to uphold the independence of judicial decision-making and to protect against the potential for harassment or intimidation through litigation. In contrast, other types of immunity, such as qualified immunity, typically provide protection only in certain situations where the official did not violate a clearly established constitutional right, and personal liability is relevant to individual actions outside of their official duties.