What is an example of an example of "under color of law"?

The concept of "under color of law" refers to actions taken by an individual who is in a position of authority or public official capacity, which may not align with legal standards, yet gives the impression of legitimacy due to their official status.

When an officer performs an illegal act while in uniform, that individual is acting under color of law because they are utilizing their official role to conduct activities that are outside the boundaries of lawful conduct. This can lead to abuses of power where the authority vested in them is exploited for personal gain or misconduct, all while appearing to act within their official capacity.

In contrast, a judge making a fair ruling, a citizen reporting a crime, and a lawyer defending a client do not inherently involve the misuse of official capacity or authority. They are actions that are expected and lawful for those roles, and do not reflect the misuse of power typically associated with "under color of law".