What is qualified immunity?

What is qualified immunity?

• A. A doctrine that protects government officials only in criminal cases.
• B. A doctrine that grants absolute immunity from all lawsuits to government officials.
• C. A doctrine shielding government officials from lawsuits unless they violate clearly established rights or act with malice or gross negligence.
• D. A general rule that officials are never liable in civil cases.

Answer: (C)