Prosecutorial immunity, also known as absolute immunity, is a legal doctrine that protects prosecutors from being held personally liable for their actions in the course of performing their duties. This immunity is intended to ensure that prosecutors can carry out their responsibilities effectively without fear of being sued for actions taken as part of their official duties.
Prosecutorial immunity typically applies to actions such as initiating prosecutions, presenting evidence in court, making arguments, and exercising discretion in deciding how to handle a case. This immunity is based on the principle that prosecutors need to have the freedom to make decisions in the pursuit of justice without the threat of lawsuits hindering their work.
It's important to note that prosecutorial immunity is not unlimited. Prosecutors can still be held accountable for actions that are outside the scope of their official duties, such as engaging in illegal conduct or knowingly presenting false evidence in court.
Prosecutorial immunity is a complex legal concept that varies by jurisdiction, and the specific scope and limitations of immunity may differ based on the laws and court rulings in a particular jurisdiction.