For a constitutional violation to be actionable under 42-1983, what must the government official act under?

For a constitutional violation to be actionable under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the government official must act under "color of law." This means that the official is exercising power that they have by virtue of their state law or government status. When acting under color of law, the official's actions are linked to their official capacity, which is essential for establishing a violation of constitutional rights.

The concept of "color of law" helps differentiate between actions taken in an official capacity versus those taken as a private citizen. It ensures that individuals can hold government officials accountable for unlawful actions that violate constitutional rights, rather than general personal conduct that might not involve the authority granted by their position.

Understanding this principle is crucial for grasping how actions taken by government officials can lead to liability for constitutional violations, reinforcing the idea that the authority derived from their government role is what allows for accountability under § 1983.