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McMillian sued Monroe County, claiming that Tate\u0027s actions were unconstitutional. McMillian argued that under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, a county is liable for the actions of its sheriffs that constitute county policy. A District Court decided that Monroe County was not liable for Tate\u0027s actions because the county had no authority over law enforcement.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMcMillian appealed, claiming that since the county employed Tate, the county should be liable for Tate. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled in favor of Monroe County. The Eleventh Circuit held that though Tate was employed by Monroe County, he acted under the authority of the state.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","question":"\u003Cp\u003EIs a county liable for constitutional violations committed by the county sheriff in matters of law enforcement?\u003C\/p\u003E\n","conclusion":"\u003Cp\u003ENo. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court affirmed the lower courts. 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