What does sovereign immunity protect individuals from?

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government entities and their employees from being sued for certain actions taken in the course of their official duties. This principle means that individuals cannot typically bring a lawsuit against the government or its employees for negligent acts unless the government has explicitly waived that immunity.

By choosing the answer related to liability for negligence against government employees, it highlights that government entities cannot be held liable in the same manner as private individuals or organizations for civil disputes arising from their actions. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where government workers are performing their duties as part of their job responsibilities, thereby shielding them from personal liability for negligence claims related to those official acts.

This concept does not extend to all potential liabilities, especially where criminal offenses or personal injury cases don't involve government functions or when exceptions to sovereign immunity exist, such as in cases of gross negligence or constitutional violations. Understanding this distinction is crucial in the field of athletic training and other areas closely tied to governmental functions, ensuring that practitioners are aware of the legal protections afforded to government employees.