First Lady, Last Rights--Extending Executive Immunity to the First Lady

Authors

T. Natasha Patel

Abstract

The First Lady's role has expanded beyond the traditional role of playing the White House hostess. The First Lady is actively involved in both domestic and international politics. Accordingly, in this Note, the Author argues that the First Lady's actions are entitled to qualified executive immunity whenever she acts as a representative of the federal government. The Author traces the development of executive branch immunity. The Author also discusses the role in politics, and otherwise, that the First Ladies have played throughout history. Finally, the Author examines the holding in Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc. v. Hillary Rodham Clinton, which held that the First Lady was a de facto federal employee or official.

Recommended Citation

T. Natasha Patel, First Lady, Last Rights--Extending Executive Immunity to the First Lady, 25 Hastings Const. L.Q. 585 (1998).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_constitutional_law_quaterly/vol25/iss4/3