What Are Civil Rights?
When civil rights are violated in the U.S., the violation may create a legal basis to file a lawsuit. Before you can try to protect your rights, it is important for you to understand what they are. Civil rights arise out of a broad set of laws and are expansive rights that are meant to protect people from unequal or unfair treatment in multiple settings, including employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and others. These rights are violated when people are discriminated against in these settings because of certain protected characteristics. If your civil rights have been violated, the attorneys at Swartz Swidler may be able to help you.
What are civil rights?
The civil rights movement of the 1960s was largely based on an effort to achieve equality for African Americans in every aspect of society. Today, civil rights also describe equality for people regardless of their sex, race, color, disability, national origin, religion, or certain other protected characteristics.
Where do civil rights come from?
There are multiple federal laws that guarantee and regulate civil rights, including the following laws:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitative Act
- Fair Housing Act
- Voting Rights Act
Schedule an appointment today. Call (856) 685-7420 or 
Schedule an appointment today.
Call (856) 685-7420 or
Civil rights have also come from court decisions by the Supreme Court such as Brown v. the Topeka Board of Education.
States also have their own civil rights laws. In some cases, the state laws may offer more civil rights protections than the federal laws such as protections for people in the LGBTQIA community. Cities and counties may also have ordinances to protect the civil rights of the residents.
Civil rights vs. civil liberties
Civil rights are not the same thing as civil liberties. Civil liberties are broader freedoms and rights that are guaranteed at the federal level such as the right to privacy and to free speech. Civil rights refer to being protected from discrimination in certain settings based on protected characteristics.
Contact the law firm of Swartz Swidler
If you think that your civil rights have been violated, it is important for you to talk to an experienced lawyer. Determining the laws that apply to what happened to you and the parties that are responsible can be complicated. To have your potential claim evaluated, contact Swartz Swidler today by filling out our contact form.
Most Frequently Asked Question: Do I Have A Case?
While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is to contact one of our attorneys. For more information check out the FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page
Most Frequently Asked Question:
Do I Have A Case?
While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is contact one of our attorneys. For more information on a just a few scenarios checkout the flip box FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page.
Our Locations
Haddonfield Headquarters
9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417
Philadelphia Satellite Office
123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 995-2733
Our Locations
Haddonfield Headquarters
9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417
Philadelphia Satellite Office
123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 995-2733