What does the term '1983 action' refer to?

The term '1983 action' refers to a civil lawsuit filed under Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code. This statute allows individuals to sue for civil rights violations when they believe their rights have been infringed upon by government officials or entities, particularly those acting under the color of law. This is particularly significant in cases involving police misconduct, excessive force, or other forms of civil rights infringements. It provides a mechanism for individuals to seek remedies for harm caused by the state or its representatives, thereby serving as an essential tool for upholding constitutional rights.

The other options do not accurately represent what a '1983 action' entails; for instance, filing complaints against private citizens or dealing with traffic violations falls outside the scope of civil rights actions. Similarly, self-reporting of incidents by police departments does not align with the framework of civil rights litigation established under Section 1983.