What does Title 18 Section 242 address?

• A. Criminal case for deprivation of constitutional rights
• B. Civil penalties for theft
• C. Intellectual property disputes
• D. Environmental law violations

Answer: (A)

Deprivation of rights under color of law is a criminal offense where a person acting with official authority willfully deprives someone of federally protected rights. The statute targets acts by government officials or others acting in their official capacity, holding them accountable when power is abused and constitutional protections—like due process, equal protection, or freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures—are violated. It requires intent to deprive rights; accidental or purely private misconduct generally isn’t enough unless there’s an official link. This is a federal criminal remedy, not a civil penalty, and it’s commonly invoked in police misconduct or other abuses by public officials.