Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents

Agents of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics searched Bivens's (plaintiff) home and arrested him without a warrant. The charges were later dismissed. Bivens then sued the agents for damages, alleging a violation of his Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures. The government argued that Bivens could bring only a state-law claim and that the Fourth Amendment created no federal cause of action.

Whether a person may bring a claim for damages in federal court based solely on a violation of Fourth Amendment rights by federal agents.