Which situation does NOT fall under color of law?

The situation that does not fall under the color of law is when a private citizen acts independently and not in connection with their official duties or government authority. Color of law refers to actions taken by government officials or agents that are within the bounds of their authority or perceived authority to enforce laws. This includes police officers enforcing the law, public officials performing their duties, and government employees following procedures as they operate under the power granted to them by the government.

In contrast, a private citizen, when acting solely on their own volition and without any governmental authority, is not exercising state power and, therefore, their actions do not fall under the concept of color of law. This distinction is vital in understanding the limits of lawful authority and the protections provided under civil rights laws, ensuring private actions remain differentiated from official government conduct.