executive immunity
Leader's legal shield
Executive immunity is legal protection shielding government executives—particularly presidents and governors—from lawsuits or prosecution for actions taken in their official capacity.
The doctrine aims to let leaders make decisions without fear of constant litigation.
The president claimed executive immunity from the subpoena.
Absolute immunity covers core constitutional functions; qualified immunity may apply to other official acts.
- presidentElected leader of nation
- Nixon pardonFord's preemptive exoneration
- abuse of powerMisusing entrusted authority
- abuse of officeCorrupt exercise of authority
- power grabAttempt to seize control
accountability · criminal prosecution · governor · head of state · transparency · whistleblowing · state secrets · official acts · prime minister · attorney general · human rights law · constitutional law · cabinet member · corruption · administrative law · international law · federalism · public trust
executive immunitycriminal liability
Legally answerable for offenses
legal accountability · prosecution · personal liability · civil liability · indictment
executive immunitychecks and balances
Constitutional power-limiting framework
judicial review · congressional oversight · rule of law · separation of powers
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