Nature of the Case
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Facts
Ps filed a civil rights action alleging that they were being discriminated against in the criminal justice system of Cairo, Illinois because they were engaged in a long-term protest over the lack of equal treatment because they were black. White residents were also involved in the suit because they supported the black residents. Some of the specific conduct that was alleged besides retaliation for the boycott was discrimination by a judge and county magistrate in setting bond in criminal cases, imposing higher sentences and requiring that the complaining class pay for a trial by jury if fines could not be paid for violation of city ordinances. The complaint alleged that there was no adequate remedy at law to stop these practices and that the only remedy was to enjoin such conduct. No damages were sought against any of the Ds in the case nor were any specific instances involving individually named Ps were set forth in the claim against the judicial officers. The District Court dismissed the case for want of jurisdiction to issue the injunctive relief prayed for on the grounds that Ds were immune from suit with respect to acts done in the course of their judicial duties. The Court of Appeals reversed under Pierson v. Ray. The Court of Appeals ruled that in the event that Ps prove their allegations, the District Court should proceed to fashion appropriate injunctive relief to prevent Ds from depriving others of their constitutional rights in the course of carrying on their judicial duties in the future. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.
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