In which case did the Court rule that prosecutors enjoy only qualified immunity from civil lawsuits for actions taken during criminal investigations?

The court ruled in Buckley v. Fitzsimmons that prosecutors have only qualified immunity from civil lawsuits for actions taken during the investigative phase of a criminal proceeding. This decision clarifies that while prosecutors have certain protections when performing their duties, those protections are not absolute and do not extend to all actions taken. Specifically, it distinguished between actions taken as part of the prosecution of a case and those taken in a purely investigative role, allowing for civil liability in the latter context. This ruling acknowledges the need for accountability in prosecutorial conduct, especially when actions may infringe on individuals' rights. Understanding this nuance is crucial for appreciating the balance between granting prosecutors the necessary discretion to conduct investigations while also protecting citizens from potential abuses of that power.