Elawyers Elawyers
Virginia| Change
The freedom from unequal treatment on the basis of skin color, gender, religion, disability or other protected characteristics is collectively called civil rights. Most civil rights protections originate through federal legislation or federal case law (often from U.S. Supreme Court decisions). FindLaw's Civil Rights Overview section contains general information about civil rights, their origin and ongoing development, how civil rights differ from civil liberties, and the basics of hate crimes. This section includes a glossary of civil rights and discrimination terms, a timeline of civil rights events in the U.S., a summary of relevant U.S. Supreme Court cases, the basics of how hate crime laws are enforced, and related information.

What are Civil Rights?

"Civil rights" are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment in a number of settings such as education, employment, housing, and elsewhere. Historically civil rights have been focused predominantly on achieving equal treatment for other races, particularly for African-Americans, but the term also describes the struggle to end discrimination against people for their sex, disability, age, national origin, religion, and other characteristics in addition to race.

Civil rights are frequently identified and protected in federal laws, although states also pass legislation intended to end discrimination and even municipalities like cities and counties may enact ordinances and laws related to civil rights. In nearly every case the laws intend to eliminate discrimination.

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination, in plain English, means to distinguish or treat differently. In the context of civil rights and the treatment of people unlawful discrimination refers to unequal treatment of an individual or group based on certain characteristics. In the United States unlawful discrimination is recognized when the different treatment is the result of the person's age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Not all kinds of discrimination are unlawful and discrimination is not prohibited in all settings. Over time the classes of those discriminated against has expanded through legislation and changing interpretations of existing civil rights laws. The context in which discrimination is forbidden has also seen some expansion. At present discrimination is barred in education, employment, housing, government benefits and services, health care access, land use/zoning, lending and credit, public accommodations, transportation, and voting.

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime, also known as a bias crime, is a criminal act perpetrated on account of the victim's race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 first established federal jurisdiction over crimes that involved the willful injury, intimidation, or interference with another person on account of race, color, religion, or national origin.

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 increased penalties and expanded the protected classes in the context of federal crimes. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 again expanded the protected groups, this time including sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The Act also eliminated the prerequisite condition that the victim be engaged in a federally protected activity at the time of the attack.

Hate crime laws are vigorously debated and state hate crime laws are highly inconsistent. Some states recognize fewer protected groups, while others include groups not recognized on a federal level, such as the homeless.

Recent Topics

  • Civil Liberties
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    "Civil liberties" typically include basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed by law -- either explicitly identified in laws and constitutions, or interpreted through the years by courts and lawmakers. While civil rights are those rights or power...

  • Civil Rights and American Indians: History and Law
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    This section offers historical information on legal protections for Native Americans and other native peoples. Learn about the civil rights of American Indians and Alaska Natives and much more.

  • Civil Rights Basics

    Welcome to the Civil Rights Basics section of FindLaw, which provides a general introduction to civil rights and related laws. The term "civil rights" refers to statutory and court-mandated protections from discrimination and other forms of unequal t...

  • Civil Rights History

    Welcome to FindLaw's Civil Rights History section, with an assortment of articles and resources covering the history of America's civil rights laws and the stories behind their passage. While civil rights are not a new concept, the statutory protecti...

  • Civil Rights in Education: Law and History
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in public schools. This section provides a history of civil rights in education, including information on Brown v. Board of Education.

  • Civil Rights in Public Accommodations and Facilities: Law and History
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation. Learn about the history behind public accommodation law, including information on Rosa Parks.

  • Civil Rights: Law and History
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    An overview of civil rights law and the history behind it. Learn about the sources of civil rights, the key differences between civil rights and civil liberties, and how to get a legal help with a civil rights issue.

  • Civil Rights: Timeline of Events
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    A timeline of key events in the development of civil rights law. This article outlines important historical and legal developments, including the emancipation proclamation, the passing of the 13th Amendment, and more.

  • Civil Rights: U.S. Supreme Court Cases
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    A detailed list of U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving civil rights and discrimination, including Dred Scott v. Sanford, Plessy v. Ferguson, Korematsu v. U.S., Brown v. Board of Education, and more.

  • Civil Rights vs. Civil Liberties
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    While civil rights revolve around the right to be free from unequal treatment, civil liberties involve guaranteed freedoms. This article explains key civil liberties and the differences between the two types of rights.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Post a free question on our public forum.
Ask a Question
Search for lawyers by practice areas.
Find a Lawyer