Protecting Civil Rights: Seeking Justice for Violations

In the United States, both state and federal laws, including the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, safeguard the political and social freedom and equality of every citizen. These civil rights provisions ensure that individuals receive equal treatment regardless of their race, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics. When employers or government officials violate an individual’s civil rights, the victim has the right to seek compensation for the harm they have endured.

Every person is entitled to fair and equal treatment under the law. Numerous federal and state laws exist to protect individuals from discrimination and harassment based on their protected characteristics. Some of the crucial civil rights laws include:

The Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, commonly known as the Bill of Rights, aim to protect citizens from government overreach. It establishes fundamental civil liberties such as the right to free speech, freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment.

The U.S. Constitution: The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments of the Constitution guarantee civil rights and liberties. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, the Fourteenth Amendment ensures equal protection under the law, and the Fifteenth Amendment establishes the right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal legislation prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It applies to various contexts, including the workplace, schools, and public accommodations.

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): This state law protects employees and job applicants from harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. FEHA makes it illegal for employers with five or more employees to discriminate against individuals or retaliate against them for asserting their rights.

Bane Act: The Bane Act enables individuals to file lawsuits against individuals, corporations, and government actors who interfere with their legal rights. Prohibited acts under this law include threats of violence, actual violence, intimidation, or coercion.

Unruh Civil Rights Act: This California statute prevents business establishments from arbitrarily or intentionally discriminating against individuals based on protected characteristics. California businesses must provide equal accommodations, advantages, privileges, and services to all.

Ralph Act: Under this California law, individuals have the right to be free from violence and intimidation based on protected characteristics. Victims of hate crimes in California may seek compensatory and punitive damages and a civil penalty of $25,000 against the perpetrator under this law.

Color of Law Violations: According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), color of law violations and racial violence constitute the most common civil rights complaints. Under federal law, individuals acting under the color of the law, including federal, state, and local officials, may not abuse their authority by willfully depriving a person of their legally protected rights or privileges. This law covers acts done within the agent’s lawful authority as well as acts done outside that authority while pretending to act in accordance with their official duties.

Our legal team handles various types of color of law violation cases, including deprivation of due process, denial of necessary medical care to prisoners, Equal Protection Clause violations, excessive force, false arrest, police misconduct, racial profiling, sexual assault, unwarranted search and seizure, and wrongful convictions.

Fight for Justice with Los Angeles Civil Rights Attorneys at ACTS LAW, LLP

If your civil rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to contact the Los Angeles civil rights attorneys at ACTS LAW, LLP. Our skilled attorneys will guide you through your legal options and advocate for your right to justice and compensation. We serve clients across California from our offices in Los Angeles and San Diego. Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 833-228-7529.