1. (a) The purpose of this Act is to protect local public entities and public employees from liability arising from the operation of government. It grants only immunities and defenses.
2. (b) Any defense or immunity, common law or statutory, available to any private person shall likewise be available to local public entities and public employees.

(from Ch. 85, par. 1-101.1)

(Source: P.A. 84-1431.)