Civil rights are an essential feature of our democracy in the United States of America. These rights ensure that individuals are treated fairly and equally, regardless of sex, race, age, religion, or disability. As such, civil rights are protected by both federal and state laws. Familiarize yourself with your rights, and learn what to do if you believe they have been violated.

Federal Laws

Many people consider certain civil rights to be human rights, of which every person is inherently deserving. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t always explicitly protect these kinds of rights.

There are a number of federal laws protecting civil rights in the U.S. At the most basic level, the Constitution and several of its amendments outline civil rights that must be protected. Many of these are part of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which deal with guarantees of certain personal rights and freedoms.

• The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right of peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances (to complain to or ask for assistance from the government without being subject to punishment for doing so).
• The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure and requires warrants to be based on probable cause.
• The Fifth Amendment protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination and provides for due process, grand juries, and the right to fair compensation for property seized by the government under eminent domain.
• The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a “speedy and public trial”, a trial by jury, the right of a defendant to be informed of accusations, confront witnesses, and have the assistance of a lawyer, even if he cannot afford one.
• The Eighth Amendment forbids excessive bail or fines and cruel and unusual punishment.
• The Thirteenth Amendment abolishes slavery.
• The Fourteenth Amendment grants citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States and guarantees “equal protection of the laws”.
• The Fifteenth Amendment protects a citizen’s right to vote regardless of “race, color, or previous condition of servitude”.

In addition, there are numerous federal laws that protect civil rights, including the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, multiple Civil Rights Acts, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act.

New York State Laws

States may enact laws to expand civil rights protections beyond those that are guaranteed by the federal government. For example, New York State forbids discrimination in employment or housing on the basis of sexual orientation, while the federal government does not. New York State civil rights laws address equal rights to public housing, rights of people with disabilities, rights to employment for people with genetic disorders, the right of privacy, and more.

Relief for Violations of Civil Rights

If you have been the victim of a civil rights violation, there is help available. A qualified civil rights lawyer like Lawyer Najmi can discuss your case with you and pursue legal remedies if appropriate. Violators of civil rights may be subject to fines or imprisonment, and you may be entitled to sue for damages. Stand up for yourself and protect your rights. Don’t let civil rights violators get away with their illegal actions. Make them face the consequences, for yourself and for those who may follow you.