Under which condition does 18 USC 242 apply?

18 USC 242 addresses the deprivation of rights under color of law, which means it applies to situations where a person acting in an official capacity, such as a law enforcement officer or government official, willfully deprives someone of their constitutional rights. This statute is particularly significant because it holds public officials accountable for their actions when they misuse their power, leading to violations of individual rights.

When examining the specific context of color of law violations, it refers to actions taken by officials that are purportedly done within their legal authority but actually involve misconduct or abuse of that authority. This can include excessive force during an arrest or the denial of due process rights.

Understanding that 18 USC 242 is rooted in protecting individuals from wrongful actions carried out by government representatives under the guise of legitimate authority clarifies its applicability. The other scenarios mentioned, such as during a riot, lawful arrests, or civil disobedience, might create complex situations but do not directly correlate with the core principle of 18 USC 242, which is focused on the abuse of power by officials.