Legal Definitions - stigma-plus doctrine

The stigma-plus doctrine is a legal principle that states that if a government official defames someone, it is not considered a violation of their civil rights unless the victim not only suffers embarrassment but also loses a property interest, such as their job.

For example, if a government official spreads false rumors about a teacher, but the teacher is not fired or demoted as a result, they may not have a case under the stigma-plus doctrine. However, if the teacher is fired or demoted because of the rumors, they may have a case for a civil rights violation.

Another example could be if a police officer falsely accuses someone of a crime, but the person is not arrested or charged, they may not have a case under the stigma-plus doctrine. However, if the false accusation leads to the person losing their job or being evicted from their home, they may have a case for a civil rights violation.

These examples illustrate how the stigma-plus doctrine requires both stigma (defamation or false accusations) and a loss of property interest (such as employment or housing) for a civil rights violation to occur.