Nixon v. Fitzgerald (1981)
- Docket
- 79-1738
- Decided
- 1981-01-01
Summary
Question: Was the President immune from prosecution in a civil suit? Conclusion: Yes. The Court held that the President "is entitled to absolute immunity from damages liability predicated on his official acts." This sweeping immunity, argued Justice Powell, was a function of the "President's unique office, rooted in the constitutional tradition of separation of powers and supported by our history."