Which doctrine protects government officials from civil liability except for plainly incompetent or knowingly violating the law?

• A. Absolute immunity
• B. Qualified immunity
• C. Sovereign immunity
• D. No immunity

Answer: (B)

Qualified immunity shields government officials from civil liability for acts within their official duties unless their conduct was plainly incompetent or they knowingly violated the law. In practice, courts apply a two-step test: first, did the official's conduct violate a constitutional or statutory right; second, was that right clearly established so a reasonable official would have known their conduct was unlawful. This ensures officials can perform their duties without fear of lawsuits over ordinary mistakes, while allowing liability when they clearly cross the line. Absolute immunity covers certain officials regardless of intent, sovereign immunity bars suits against the government itself, and no immunity would leave officials exposed to liability in all cases.