Which legal doctrine protects government agencies from civil suits or criminal prosecution?

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government agencies and departments from being sued without their consent. This principle is rooted in the idea that the state cannot commit a legal wrong and is therefore immune from civil suits or criminal prosecution. It is designed to ensure that government functions can operate without the disruption of litigation, allowing agencies to carry out their duties without the fear of constant legal challenges.

Under this doctrine, individuals cannot bring lawsuits against the government unless the government has waived its immunity in certain areas or circumstances. This is foundational knowledge for anyone working in a correctional or probation environment, as it outlines the limitations of legal actions against government entities and officers.

Other doctrines, such as qualified, absolute, and judicial immunity, serve specific contexts or roles within the judicial system but do not generally encompass the broad protection offered by sovereign immunity over government agencies as a whole.