The doctrine of judicial immunity means judges may:

1. Judicial Immunity Law and Legal Definition ... It is absolute immunity from liability that is granted to judges and court officers such as grand juries and prosecutors and for tortious acts or omissions done within the scope of their jurisdiction or authority.

2. Judicial immunity protects judges from liability for monetary damages in civil court, for acts they perform pursuant to their judicial function ... Some states codify the judicial immunity doctrine in statutes. Most legislatures, including Congress, let court decisions govern the issue.

3. But, consider whether or not judges can be held accountable and if so, how? How Judges are Held Accountable and by Whom. Despite their independence, judges are accountable for their actions and decisions ... A judge's ruling can be appealed to a higher court and, if an error has been made, a new trial will be ordered or the decision will be corrected.