Will v. Michigan Department of State Police

Summary

The Supreme Court held that neither a State nor state officials acting in their official capacities are "persons" subject to suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The Court reasoned that the statutory text, legislative history, sovereign-immunity principles, and the federal-state balance did not support treating States as § 1983 defendants. The judgment of the Michigan Supreme Court was affirmed.

Holdings

1. A State is not a person within the meaning of § 1983 and therefore is not subject to liability under that statute.
2. A state official sued in an official capacity is not a person under § 1983 when the action is treated as one against the official's office or the State itself.
3. A state official sued in an official capacity for prospective injunctive relief may be treated as a person under § 1983 because such an action is not treated as an action against the State.

Questions Presented

1. Whether a State is a person within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
2. Whether a state official acting in an official capacity is a person within the meaning of § 1983 when the plaintiff seeks damages.
3. Whether the official-capacity distinction for prospective injunctive relief changes the treatment of a state official under § 1983.

Disposition

affirmed