Dwight Laughlin v. Dewayne Perry and Ellen Flottman

Summary

The Court held that Missouri public defenders are protected by official immunity from legal-malpractice claims based on discretionary acts performed in their official duties. Choosing whether to investigate or raise a jurisdictional defense involves professional judgment and is not a ministerial task, even if the decision allegedly violated the standard of care. State Legal Expense Fund coverage does not preclude official immunity, so the judgment for Laughlin was reversed and the case remanded.