What is one basis for civil rights violations under Section 1983 actions?

Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code allows individuals to sue for civil rights violations when they have been deprived of their rights under color of state law. One significant basis for a Section 1983 action is the engagement in the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. This can occur when law enforcement officials use more physical force than is reasonably necessary to make an arrest or to control a suspect. Excessive force is a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures.

When individuals claim excessive force, they are asserting that their constitutional rights were violated by the actions of a government employee or agent, which is at the heart of what Section 1983 seeks to address. This legal framework is intended to hold accountable those in positions of authority who overstep their bounds and infringe upon the rights of individuals they are sworn to protect. The emphasis on excessive force has been highlighted in various landmark cases and continues to be a critical area in civil rights litigation.