When a private party sues a state official for damages for acts while in office, damages are typically:

• A. Out of the official's own pocket
• B. Not allowed at all
• C. Paid by the state
• D. Limited to injunctive relief

Answer: (B)

The key idea is sovereign immunity under the Eleventh Amendment. When a state official is sued for damages for acts done in the course of the official duties, the state typically cannot be sued in federal court for money damages. That immunity generally bars such damages claims, so the usual remedy is not monetary compensation. The relevant exception is that, under Ex parte Young, a private party can seek prospective injunctive relief to stop ongoing federal‑law violations by the state official, but not damages. So, for acts while in office, damages aren’t recoverable; injunctive relief is the possible remedy against the official in his official capacity.