What is Immunity?
In the middle ages of England, where our Common Law began, the King could do no wrong. In America, we certainly don't believe our government is incapable of screwing up, but folks don't want to put our government completely out of business for needed services. Therefore, sovereign immunity provides some insulation from liability for governments unless their employees perform with reckless disregard for the safety of others and are guilty of a higher form of negligence called "wilful and wanton" acts. If a government chooses to be covered by insurance, simple negligence alone may be enough for a recovery.
