Coverage includes the statute's modern revival in Monroe v. Pape, municipal liability, individual officer and sovereign immunity, excessive force litigation, choice of law, state and federal court jurisdiction, remedies, and attorney's fees, There are also chapters on federal officer liability and the relationship between habeas corpus and section 1983.

A helpful tool for practitioners, students, judges, and their clerks, or anyone wishing to get up to speed on this complex, ever-changing topic.

A reliable source on Section 1983 litigation, this Law in a Nutshell: Section 1983 Litigation provides an authoritative commentary which includes coverage of Monroe and the modern Section 1983 Action; Parratt and the scope of due process; excessive force, private violence, and Section 1983; and enforcing the laws under Section 1983. The text also discusses municipal liability, state sovereign immunity, and personal immunities.