Changes

In ''Butz v. Economou'', 438 U.S. 478 (1978), the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] granted [[absolute judicial immunity]] to a presiding officer in an administrative hearing in the [[federal]] executive branch.

In '''''Butz v. Economou''''', 438 U.S. 478 (1978), the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] granted [[absolute judicial immunity]] to a presiding officer in an administrative hearing in the [[federal]] executive branch.

Justice [[Byron White]] wrote the opinion for the 5-4 Court, with four justices dissenting only in part.  Justice White held that "the risk of an unconstitutional act by one presiding at an agency hearing is clearly outweighed by the importance of preserving the independent judgment of these men and women. We therefore hold that persons subject to these restraints and performing adjudicatory functions within a federal agency are entitled to absolute immunity from damages liability for their judicial acts. Those who complain of error in such proceedings must seek agency or judicial review."

Justice [[Byron White]] wrote the opinion for the 5-4 Court, with four justices dissenting only in part.  Justice White held that "the risk of an unconstitutional act by one presiding at an agency hearing is clearly outweighed by the importance of preserving the independent judgment of these men and women. We therefore hold that persons subject to these restraints and performing adjudicatory functions within a federal agency are entitled to absolute immunity from damages liability for their judicial acts. Those who complain of error in such proceedings must seek agency or judicial review."