The Phrase "Under Color of Law" Means

The phrase "under color of law" means:

A) The defendant was acting within the scope of his authority at the time of the act in question.
B) The defendant was acting under the directions of her supervisor in the conduct in question.
C) The defendant was an employee of the federal government at the time of the act.
D) The defendant failed to act in accordance with a recognized duty of care to a protected person.