Which concept protects government employees from civil lawsuits in certain cases?

The concept that protects government employees from civil lawsuits in certain cases is sovereign immunity. This legal doctrine provides that the government cannot be sued without its consent. Sovereign immunity exists to ensure that public officials can perform their duties without the constant fear of litigation, which could impede their ability to serve the public effectively.

In many jurisdictions, sovereign immunity grants protection for actions taken by government employees that are within the scope of their official duties, thereby limiting the circumstances under which an individual can pursue a lawsuit against the government. There are, of course, exceptions to this immunity, often outlined in statutes, which may allow for lawsuits in specific situations, such as when the government has waived its immunity.

Other concepts mentioned, such as direct liability, vicarious liability, and color of law, pertain to different aspects of liability and legal responsibility. Direct liability involves holding an individual or entity responsible for their own negligent actions, vicarious liability pertains to the responsibility of one party for the actions of another, typically in an employer-employee relationship, and color of law refers to actions taken by an official that are purportedly exercised under the authority of law, not necessarily providing immunity from lawsuits.