Civil Rights Violations
All people in the United States have certain basic rights under the United States Constitution, and the right to be treated equally under the law. These basic legal principles are said to give us civil rights. Civil rights are intended to ensure that all people are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness under the law.
If a person is abused or discriminated against, their civil rights may have been violated and they may have a legal claim against the government or the perpetrators. Under the U.S. Constitution, if a government official violates a person's civil rights, that person can bring a claim against the official and the government. Under 42 U.S. Code 1983, when any person violates civil rights "under color of state law," the victim can bring a claim against that person.
Common civil rights abuses include police abuse, other violations of due process, or acts of discrimination. When a police use excessive force or when a person is otherwise unlawfully detained or prosecuted without due process, this could be a civil rights violation. When a person is discriminated against, especially because of their race, religion, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation, this could also be a civil rights violation. When other rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution are violated, such as freedom of religion or the freedom against unreasonable searches and seizures, a violation of civil rights may also have taken place.
Civil rights violations are serious issues, and it is important to hold officials and others accountable when civil rights are violated. If you feel your civil rights have been violated, you should consult with a qualified civil rights attorney. A qualified attorney can help you understand your potential case, and help you draft a formal complaint if you have a valid claim. If you would like more information about this issue, please contact us.
