A constitutional tort involves a violation of one's constitutional right by which actor?

A constitutional tort involves a violation of one's constitutional right by which actor?

• A. A civil case against a private entity
• B. A criminal case
• C. A constitutional tort involves a violation of one's constitutional right by government actor
• D. A contract dispute

Answer: (C)

A constitutional tort is a civil claim for violation of someone's constitutional rights by someone acting under government authority. The key element is the actor being a government person or entity—police, public officials, or a government agency. Private individuals or private entities aren’t typically liable under constitutional tort law unless there’s significant state involvement. A criminal case is about prosecuting illegal conduct and punishment, not civil rights remedies, and a contract dispute involves private obligations, not constitutional rights. So the right idea is that such a tort involves a government actor.

A constitutional tort is a civil claim for violation of someone's constitutional rights by someone acting under government authority. The key element is the actor being a government person or entity—police, public officials, or a government agency. Private individuals or private entities aren’t typically liable under constitutional tort law unless there’s significant state involvement. A criminal case is about prosecuting illegal conduct and punishment, not civil rights remedies, and a contract dispute involves private obligations, not constitutional rights. So the right idea is that such a tort involves a government actor.