{"id":355587,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:54","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview.html"},"modified":"2024-10-24T08:52:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T13:52:00","slug":"civil-rights-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Civil Rights Law Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <div\n    data-testid=\"fl-general-title\"\n    class=\"fl-general-title fl-flex fl-gap20 fl-items-end\"\n>\n    <div class=\"fl-general-title-heading fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n        <h1\n            class=\"fl-h1 fl-general-title-title fl-no-spacing\"\n            data-testid=\"fl-general-title-title\"\n        >\n            Civil Rights Law Overview\n        <\/h1>\n        <p\n            class=\"fl-general-title-description fl-text-xl fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"fl-general-title-description\"\n        >\n            Protecting civil rights is an essential part of the democratic values of the United States.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/taylar-simone-mccants-j-d\/\">Taylar-Simone McCants, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aviana-cooper-esq\/\">Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 24, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Civil rights protections are a collection of constitutional rights aimed at ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens. The historical context of the Civil War, racial segregation, and landmark cases like Plessy v. Ferguson underscores the evolution of civil rights in the United States.<\/p>\r\n<p>The struggle for advancing civil rights continues to shape our nation&#8217;s pursuit of equality, justice, and human rights. We&#8217;ll explore the basics of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/where-do-civil-rights-come-from.html\">civil rights<\/a>&nbsp;in U.S. law.<\/p>\r\n\n<div\n    class=\"fl-category-overview\"\n    data-testid=\"fl-category-overview\"\n>\n    <div\n        class=\"fl-accordion fl-category-overview-container\"\n        id=\"category-overview\"\n        data-testid=\"fl-accordion\"\n    >\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-1-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-1-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-1-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-1-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        Civil Rights Law Basics\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-1-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-basics.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights Law Basics<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/what-are-civil-rights.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>What Are Civil Rights?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/where-do-civil-rights-come-from.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Where Do Civil Rights Come From?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/what-is-discrimination.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>What Is Discrimination?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/have-your-civil-rights-been-violated.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Have Your Civil Rights Been Violated?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-liberties.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Liberties<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-vs-civil-liberties.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights vs. Civil Liberties<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/public-accommodations-equal-rights.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Public Accommodations and Equal Rights<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/police-misconduct-and-civil-rights.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Police Misconduct and Civil Rights<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-2-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-2-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-2-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-2-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        Civil Rights Legal History\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-2-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-law-and-history.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights: Law and History<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-timeline-of-events.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights: Timeline of Events<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-u-s-supreme-court-decisions.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights: US Supreme Court Decisions<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-and-american-indians-history-and-law.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights and American Indians: History and Law<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-in-education-law-and-history.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights in Education: Law and History<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-in-public-accommodations-and-facilities-law-and.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights in Public Accommodations and Facilities: Law and History<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-3-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-3-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-3-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-3-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        Hate Crimes Law\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-3-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/hate-crimes.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Hate Crimes Law<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/hate-crime-the-violence-of-intolerance.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Hate Crime: The Violence of Intolerance<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/criminal-civil-rights-enforcement-and-hate-crimes-history-and.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Criminal Civil Rights Enforcement and Hate Crimes: History and the Law<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-4-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-4-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-4-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-4-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        Refresh Your Civil Rights Knowledge\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-4-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-quiz-with-answers.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights Quiz (With Answers)<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-and-discrimination-glossary.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights and Discrimination Glossary<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-discrimination-a-to-z-list-not-complete.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Civil Rights and Discrimination A to Z<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/ten-things-to-think-about-the-bill-of-rights.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>U.S. Constitution 101: Bill of Rights<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>What Are Civil Rights?&nbsp;<\/h2>\r\n<p>Civil rights refer to the fundamental rights and freedoms granted to individuals by a government and are protected by law. Civil rights are an expansive and significant set of rights designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment. They are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and to be free from unfair treatment or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/race-discrimination-basics.html\">discrimination<\/a>&nbsp;in several settings. Protected characteristics include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Education<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/employment-discrimination-federal-laws.html\">Employment<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Housing<\/li>\r\n<li>Public accommodations<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Historically, the Civil Rights Movement referred to efforts toward achieving true equality for African Americans in all facets of society. Today the term civil rights is also used to describe the advancement of equality for all people regardless of<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Race<\/li>\r\n<li>Ethnicity<\/li>\r\n<li>Religion<\/li>\r\n<li>Sexual orientation<\/li>\r\n<li>Gender identity<\/li>\r\n<li>Age<\/li>\r\n<li>Disability<\/li>\r\n<li>National origin<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In the United States, this has included not only the African American civil rights movement but also movements inspired by the civil rights movement, such as the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-and-american-indians-history-and-law.html\">American Indian Movement<\/a>&nbsp;and the Chicano Movement.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a><\/a>Where Do Civil Rights Come From?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Most laws guaranteeing and regulating civil rights originate at the federal level through federal legislation, such as:<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/age-discrimination-act-of-1975.html\">Age Discrimination Act of 1975<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; Prohibits discrimination based on age in programs and activities that receive federal assistance, such as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Educational programs<\/li>\r\n<li>Health care services<\/li>\r\n<li>Housing<\/li>\r\n<li>Welfare<\/li>\r\n<li>Food stamps<\/li>\r\n<li>Rehabilitation programs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/age-discrimination-in-employment-act-of-1967.html\">Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; Prohibits discrimination against job applicants and employees over age 40. It prohibits discrimination on compensation, advancement opportunities, and other employment conditions.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/the-americans-with-disabilities-act-overview.html\">Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; Prohibits discrimination based on disability in:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Employment<\/li>\r\n<li>State and local government<\/li>\r\n<li>Public accommodations<\/li>\r\n<li>Commercial facilities<\/li>\r\n<li>Transportation<\/li>\r\n<li>Telecommunications<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/enforcing-your-civil-rights\/civil-rights-act-of-1964-entire.html\">The Civil Rights Act of 1964<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment, education, voting, and public accommodations on the basis of:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Race<\/li>\r\n<li>Color<\/li>\r\n<li>Religion<\/li>\r\n<li>Sex<\/li>\r\n<li>National origin<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/fair-housing-act.html\">Fair Housing Act (FHA)<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; Prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act.html\">Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; The first disability civil rights legislation passed in the United States prohibiting discrimination against disabled people in programs receiving federal financial assistance.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/other-constitutional-rights\/the-voting-rights-act-of-1965-overview.html\">Voting Rights Act of 1965<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; Enacted to address Jim Crow laws in the Deep South and other barriers minorities faced when trying to take part in elections. The Supreme Court removed critical provisions of the Act in 2013.<\/p>\r\n<p>Civil rights also come from federal court decisions such as those handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, including the landmark&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/history-of-em-brown-v-board-of-education-em.html\"><i>Brown v. Board of Education<\/i><\/a>&nbsp;decision.<\/p>\r\n<p>One of the most notable milestones in the struggle for civil rights was the desegregation of public schools and public facilities. The Court upheld racial segregation in the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision. The Court&#8217;s decision perpetuated discrimination and inequality.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified after the Civil War, became the foundation of civil rights protections. The Fourteenth Amendment established the principle of equal protection of the laws. It sought to ensure that no state could deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process. This amendment marked a step toward achieving equal rights for all citizens.<\/p>\r\n<p>States also pass their own civil rights laws through the state constitution and other laws. The state laws can also be more protective of civil rights than their federal equivalents, including protections for people who identify as a part of the LGBTQ community.<\/p>\r\n<p>Municipalities like cities and counties can also enact ordinances and laws related to civil rights.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Equal Protection and Discrimination: History<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>One of the most basic civil rights is equal protection under the law. This right stems from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fourteenth Amendment<\/a>. The 14th Amendment became law after the Civil War. Many newly freed people wished to work, own property, and build new lives. But many people refused to do business with formerly enslaved people. Also, local police often refused, based on race, to protect African Americans.<\/p>\r\n<p>Congress passed the 14th Amendment in 1868 to ensure more equal rights for everyone. Although the amendment was only partially successful then, it has since grown to protect people of all races, national origins, and genders from discrimination by government authorities.<\/p>\r\n<p>The federal government and many state governments have since developed other laws to prevent&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination.html\">discrimination<\/a>&nbsp;by private establishments. This is why employers can&#8217;t make hiring or firing decisions based on protected categories like race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. Similarly, restaurants can&#8217;t refuse to serve people on the basis of race or other protected factors.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Civil Liberties<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;Bill of Rights, which consists of the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution, protects civil liberties.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-liberties.html\">Civil liberties<\/a>&nbsp;protect you from government interference and overreach. A few of the most well-known are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/search-and-seizure-and-the-fourth-amendment.html#:~:text=If%20an%20officer%20reasonably%20suspects,frisk%20or%20a%20Terry%20Stop.\">Fourth Amendment<\/a>&#8216;s limit on law enforcement&#8217;s ability to search your person or private property. Police must have a warrant or a good reason to believe you committed a crime before conducting a search or arresting you.<\/li>\r\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/u-s-constitution-fifth-amendment.html#:~:text=No%20person%20shall%20be%20held,the%20same%20offence%20to%20be\">Fifth Amendment<\/a>&#8216;s protection of your right to remain silent.<\/li>\r\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6.html#:~:text=%22In%20all%20criminal%20prosecutions%2C%20the,of%20the%20accusation%3B%20to%20be\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sixth Amendment<\/a>&#8216;s protection of your right to an attorney and a speedy trial.<\/li>\r\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">First Amendment<\/a>&#8216;s grant of the right to a free press, to free speech, to free assembly and association, to petition the government, to practice any religion, and to be free from religious indoctrination.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>One of the strengths of civil liberties is that they belong to all in the United States. This generally includes those who have committed crimes. Prisoners still maintain fundamental constitutional rights to:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Privacy<\/li>\r\n<li>Speech<\/li>\r\n<li>Religion<\/li>\r\n<li>Due process<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>But several rights and liberties may be limited while you&#8217;re serving prison time. Even after you&#8217;re released, some rights may be curtailed while you&#8217;re on parole or if you&#8217;ve committed a serious offense.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a><\/a>Are Civil Liberties the Same as Civil Rights?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Civil rights are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-vs-civil-liberties.html\">different from civil liberties<\/a>. Traditionally, civil rights have revolved around the fundamental right to be free from unequal treatment based on specific protected characteristics (race, gender, disability). In contrast, civil liberties are more broad-based rights and freedoms guaranteed at the federal level by the Constitution and other federal laws such as fundamental rights, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The right to vote<\/li>\r\n<li>Free speech<\/li>\r\n<li>The right to privacy<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>As society evolves, the struggle for civil rights adapts to the changing landscape. The Department of Justice plays a critical role in upholding rights and liberties by investigating and addressing issues such as employment discrimination. The concept of equal employment opportunity prohibits bias based on factors such as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Sexual orientation<\/li>\r\n<li>Race<\/li>\r\n<li>Gender<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Voter rights are another crucial aspect of civil rights. Voter rights ensure that every eligible citizen can take part in the democratic process. Discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and voter intimidation were used to disenfranchise minority voters. The Civil Rights Movement challenged these practices, which led to legislative changes that expanded access to the ballot box.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Due Process and Enforcement of Civil Rights Violations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The unsung hero of the constitutional amendments is the right to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14\/annotation03.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">due process<\/a>. This right stems from both the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment5\/annotation06.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fifth Amendment<\/a>&nbsp;and the 14th Amendment. The right to due process means the government can&#8217;t remove your right to life, liberty, or property without a proper hearing.<\/p>\r\n<p>Because of the right to due process, Congress and state legislatures have created complaint processes in several government agencies designed to help you enforce your civil rights. For instance, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/filing-discrimination-charges-with-the-eeoc.html\">Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC)<\/a>&nbsp;handles employment discrimination complaints. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/department-of-justice-doj-.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Justice (DOJ)<\/a>&nbsp;enforces federal laws governing discrimination.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a><\/a>Questions About Your Civil Rights?&nbsp;<\/h2>\r\n<p>If your civil rights have been violated in any way, you may have a valid legal claim for damages. Important decisions related to your case can be complicated, including which laws apply to your situation and who&#8217;s responsible for any harm you suffered.<\/p>\r\n<p>An experienced&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil rights attorney<\/a>&nbsp;can check all aspects of your case and explain the legal options available to you to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n     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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Most civil rights cases need the help of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex civil rights cases (such as employment discrimination, racial segregation, or discrimination based on gender) need the support of a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>An attorney can help you enforce your civil rights and other constitutional rights. Many offer free consultations and can offer tailored advice during your court case.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Civil Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                      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href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/have-your-civil-rights-been-violated.html\">\n                                Have Your Civil Rights Been Violated?\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-and-american-indians-history-and-law.html\">\n                                Civil Rights and American Indians: History and Law\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-history.html\">\n                                Civil Rights Legal History\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/hate-crimes.html\">\n                                Hate Crimes Law\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-basics.html\">\n                                Civil Rights Law Basics\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains what civil rights are, how they differ from civil liberties, and how to protect your rights. 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