Under what conditions can law enforcement officers be sued for torts?

Law enforcement officers can indeed be sued for torts under statutes such as Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act and the Bivens decision, as referenced in the chosen answer. Section 1983 provides individuals with the right to sue for civil rights violations committed by state or local officials acting under the authority of state law. It allows for claims against officers when they deprive someone of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. Similarly, the Bivens decision provides a federal remedy for violations of constitutional rights by federal agents, recognizing that individuals can seek damages for certain types of misconduct committed by federal officials.

In terms of context regarding the other choices, while torts can arise under state law, the ability to sue law enforcement officers specifically for constitutional violations is primarily governed by federal statutes like Section 1983 and principles established in cases like Bivens. Hence, stating that officers can only be sued under state law restricts the broader scope of constitutional protections afforded to individuals. Additionally, the claim that officers can only be sued when acting under federal jurisdiction ignores the duality of law enforcement at both federal and state levels. Lastly, suggesting that lawsuits are restricted to instances of "purposeful misconduct" overlooks the broader range of negligent or mistaken actions