Establishes a right of action for the deprivation of constitutional rights; provides for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and reasonable attorney's fees.
Provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of New York or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal or state constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding.