State Action or Under Color of Law

What is State Action or Under Color of Law?

Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Acts protects against racial discrimination and possible other discrimination done by the state or under color of law. Color of law refers to an appearance of legal power due to one's actions under the circumstances; this applies also where a private actor joins with the government to discriminate.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Constitutional Law terms:

• Article III of the U.S. Constitution
• Executive Powers
• Jurisdiction
• 42 U.S.C. § 1983
• Reasonable Notice