The U.S. Supreme Court is set to take up a Georgia case Tuesday that involves the question of whether government officials have absolute immunity from civil lawsuits.

The Albany Herald reports that the high court is expected to hear an appeal from Charles Rehberg, who sent faxes criticizing the Phoebe Putney Health System.

Rehberg was arrested after investigator James Paulk of the Dougherty County District Attorney's office testified to a grand jury that the accountant had harassed doctors.

Paulk, who started the investigation as a favor to hospital officials, later said he had no evidence and had not talked to any witnesses. The charges were dismissed.

Rehberg sued, but Paulk says he is protected by immunity because the claims took place while he was working as a government official.

Tags: U.S. Supreme Court, Albany, South Georgia, Phoebe Putney Health System, civil lawsuits