Accountability in Government and Section 1983

Part I of this Article traces the legal history behind derivative supervisory liability as well as its status today. Part II addresses obstacles that might block the development of derivative supervisory liability, at least in the federal court system. Part III offers a solution premised on federalizing the question of duty. Finally, Part IV turns to the unique problem of preserving supervisory liability even in the absence of constitutional fault by the errant subordinate.