What must a defendant prove to establish criminal liability for deprivation of civil rights?

To establish criminal liability for deprivation of civil rights, it is essential for the defendant to demonstrate that they were acting under color of law. This means that the individual was exercising power possessed by virtue of state law and that their actions were related to the performance of official duties. This concept is fundamental in civil rights cases because it distinguishes actions taken in a private capacity from those performed as a representative of governmental authority.

When an individual is acting under color of law, their actions can lead to violations of civil rights, as they may abuse their position of power to infringe upon the rights of others. This framework ensures that not just any wrongful or harmful behavior is addressed, but specifically those that occur within the context of public authority, thereby holding government officials accountable for their conduct when they fail to honor the rights of individuals due to their official positions.

Understanding this principle is crucial for assessing accountability in cases involving civil rights violations, ensuring that justice can be sought for actions that compromise these fundamental rights.