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Definition[]

Acting under color of law occurs that an act is done under the appearance of legal authorization, when in fact, no such right existed.

Overview[]

"Private persons, jointly engaged with state officials in the prohibited action, are acting 'under color' of law". . . . The act 'under color' of law does not require that the accused be an officer of the State. It is enough that he is a willful participant in joint activity with the State or its agents."[1]

References[]

  1. United States v. Price, 383 U.S. 787, 794 (1966) (full-text).
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