What are the two components of the Saucier Katz Two-Prong Test?

The two components of the Saucier-Katz Two-Prong Test are indeed the violation of constitutional rights and whether that right was clearly established at the time of the incident. This test is critical for determining qualified immunity for law enforcement officers in civil lawsuits alleging constitutional violations.

The first component—violation of constitutional rights—requires a determination of whether the officer's conduct violated a right that is protected by the Constitution. This step involves assessing the nature and circumstances of the actions taken by the officer to see if they indeed infringe upon an individual's constitutional protections.

The second component—right clearly established—examines whether the constitutional right that was allegedly violated was clearly established at the time of the officer's actions. This means that prior case law must specify the right in question and show that a reasonable officer would have understood that their conduct was unlawful in the given situation. This offers a protective layer for officers against lawsuits when they have acted within the bounds of established rights.

Together, these two components create a framework for analyzing claims made against law enforcement, balancing accountability with the need for officers to act decisively in the field without the constant fear of litigation for every decision made during their duties.