Deprivation of rights under color of law is addressed by which section?

• A. Section 241
• B. Section 1983
• C. Section 1985
• D. Section 242

Answer: (D)

This question tests knowledge of which federal statute criminalizes willful deprivation of rights under color of law. The phrase matches the description of the criminal offense that makes it a crime for someone acting under color of law to willfully deprive a person of rights, which is Section 242. By contrast, Section 1983 provides a civil remedy for rights violations by officials acting under color of law, not the crime itself. Section 241 covers conspiracy against rights, and Section 1985 deals with conspiracies to interfere with civil rights; neither is the direct deprivation-of-rights statute. So, the provision that addresses deprivation of rights under color of law is the one described by that criminal offense.