Definition
Civil rights include rights secured by constitutions and statutes involving voting, education, employment, housing, public accommodations, and equal protection.
Political Dictionary
Civil Rights
Civil rights are legal protections against discrimination and unequal treatment.
Why It Matters
They protect full participation in civic and social life.
How It Works
Individuals may enforce rights through agencies, lawsuits, or criminal law.
History
American civil rights law expanded through Reconstruction amendments, federal statutes, and twentieth-century movements.
Example
A worker may sue over unlawful racial discrimination.
Common Misconceptions
- Civil rights and civil liberties are identical.
- Only citizens possess civil rights.
- Private conduct is never regulated by civil rights statutes.
Related Terms
Related Topics
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