Introduction -- Monroe and the modern § 1983 action -- Parratt and the scope of due process -- Excessive force, private violence, and § 1983 -- Enforcing rights under federal "laws" through § 1983 -- Municipal liability -- State sovereign immunity -- Personal immunities -- Damages and § 1983 -- Injunctions and declaratory relief -- Attorney's fees -- Choice of law and § 1983 -- Section 1983 in the state courts -- Preclusion and § 1983 -- Abstention and related doctrines -- Habeas corpus and prisoner litigation -- Bivens and federal officer liability -- Jurisdiction and procedure