Shawn Mateo v. David Barra

Summary

The Vermont Superior Court dismissed Shawn Mateo’s civil action against Judge David Barra under the doctrine of judicial immunity. The court held that the challenged conduct consisted solely of judicial decisions and rulings made within Judge Barra’s judicial authority, while noting that Mateo could pursue appellate remedies in the underlying cases.

Holdings

1. A judicial officer is immune from a private civil action for acts performed within the officer's jurisdiction and in a judicial capacity.

Questions Presented

1. Whether judicial immunity bars a civil action against a judicial officer for decisions and legal rulings made in cases in which the plaintiff was a party.
2. Whether the conduct alleged was performed within the judicial officer's jurisdiction and in a judicial capacity.

Disposition

dismissed