Which of the following best describes the term "qualified immunity"?

The term "qualified immunity" specifically refers to a legal doctrine that provides protection to government officials, including law enforcement officers and correctional personnel, from being held personally liable for civil damages under certain circumstances. This immunity applies when officials are performing their duties and their actions do not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.

Thus, when considering this definition within the context of the legal framework that governs the actions of public officials, it becomes clear that qualified immunity is not an absolute shield from all legal actions, as suggested by other options. It protects against legal liability only under specific conditions, reflecting the balance between holding officials accountable for misconduct and allowing them to perform their duties without fear of constant litigation for decisions made under challenging circumstances.