The Basics of Civil Rights

Answer 1

Civil rights laws pertain to the rights that individuals have to expect and receive equal treatment in a variety of settings. These include employment, housing and education. A person's civil rights is violated when he or she experiences unfair or discriminatory treatment based on legally protected characteristics. The Civil Rights Movement refers to the impetus toward achieving equality for African-Americans in society. Now, the term civil rights is used to advance equality for anyone regardless of sex, age, race, disability, religion or national origin.

Many of the laws that guarantee and regulate civil rights start with federal legislation or federal court decisions. Individual states may also pass civil rights laws that are similar to federal laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 are major pieces of legislation that prohibit discrimination, and provide the legal definitions for discriminatory acts.

Court decisions have supplemented additional acts that prohibit discriminatory acts in voting, housing, public education, access to public facilities and extending credit. The landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education ended nationwide desegregation in public schools. The Supreme Court has also determined the legality of remedies for anti-discrimination and defined how civil rights violations relate to sexual harassment.

When is Discrimination Lawful?

There are some types of discrimination do not violate federal or state laws prohibiting discrimination. For example, a person with pets may apply to rent an apartment. When the landlord refuses to lease to the applicant after finding out the applicant has pets, the landlord has not violated the person's civil rights simply because the applicant is a pet owner.

What are the Differences Between Civil Rights and Civil Liberties?

There is a difference between civil rights and civil liberties in legal terms. Civil rights traditionally dealt with the basic right that an individual within a protected class has against unequal treatment. Civil liberties relate to the basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution. These liberties are either explicitly identified or have been interpreted by courts and/or lawmakers through the years. The civil liberties are: freedom of speech, the rights to privacy, marry, vote, have a fair trial, and to be free form unreasonable searches in the home.

Determining the right and the individual that was affected is the best way to understand the difference between civil rights and civil liberties.

Answer 2

Civil rights are legal protections ensuring individuals are treated fairly and equally in society, regardless of characteristics like race, gender, or disability. These rights encompass freedoms such as the right to vote, the right to fair housing, and the right to equal opportunities in education and employment. Violations of civil rights can result in legal action and remedies to address discrimination or unfair treatment.