No one should have to face discrimination or injustice due to their race, sex, or age. Unfortunately, this happens all too often, and when it does, those affected may have to take legal action in order to get justice. Civil rights lawsuits are a powerful tool for protecting our most fundamental rights as citizens of the United States. If you or someone you know is facing discrimination or other civil rights violations, it’s vital to seek out the advice of an experienced civil rights lawyer.
At Tamaki Law, our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of civil rights law and are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals in Kennewick. Call us today at (509) 783-8333 to learn more about how we can help you through a legal consultation.
What Are Civil Rights?
Civil rights are legal rights intended to protect individuals from unfair treatment and discrimination. They were established to ensure that the law treats all people equally, regardless of their race, color, national origin, disability, sex (including pregnancy), age, and religion. Civil rights are enshrined in many state and federal laws and cover a wide range of areas. They protect rights in many settings, such as employment and housing. In addition, civil rights also include the right to equal access to public services.
Overall, it’s essential to uphold civil rights to ensure fairness and justice in our society. These laws exist to protect all individuals from discrimination and unfair treatment, ensuring that everyone is treated equally and with respect.
What Laws Protect Civil Rights?
At the federal level, civil rights are protected by numerous statutes, including:
- Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Voting Rights Act of 1965
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- Fair Housing Act
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975
- Equal Pay Act of 1963
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act
These and other federal statutes protect individuals who are members of protected classes based on their race, color, national origin, disability, sex (including pregnancy), age, or religion. The statutes protect them in various settings, as we will see by examining types of civil rights cases.
Types of Civil Rights Cases
Civil rights are fundamental rights of all US citizens and encompass many legal issues. These include the right to vote and the right to be free from discrimination at work. Civil rights cases involve violations of these fundamental rights that occur in various contexts. They include the following:
- Workplace discrimination: Discrimination can take many forms, including unequal treatment in the workplace. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee because they are a protected class member. They may be a member of a protected class based on their race, color, national origin, disability, sex (including pregnancy), age, or religion. Illegal actions could include failing to hire the potential employee, refusing to promote them, and demoting them. It’s also illegal to retaliate against an employee for filing a discrimination claim or to refuse them an accommodation they need for a disability. Workplace discrimination can also include harassment based on being a protected class member.
- Housing discrimination: It is illegal to refuse housing to an individual based on their being a member of a protected class or because they have minor children.
- Voting rights discrimination: Voter registration requirements should be applied equally to all citizens. Discrimination against voters by refusing to let them vote or to count their votes is illegal. Other examples of violations of civil rights include preventing a citizen from entering a polling place and denying accommodations for a disability at a polling place.
- Public accommodations discrimination: It is illegal to segregate public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants based on race or another protected class.
- Religious discrimination: These cases involve allegations of religious intolerance, such as unequal treatment in employment based on religion or the improper exclusion of religious beliefs in public places or events.
- Age discrimination: In addition to preventing age discrimination in an employment setting, civil rights law protects against age discrimination when applying to programs and activities that receive federal money.
- Education discrimination: It is illegal to deny access to a public school for discriminatory reasons.
- Hate crimes: A physical attack that injures an individual or a threat or damage to property based on their being a member of a protected class is a civil rights violation.
What Remedies May Be Available if My Civil Rights Were Violated?
Potential remedies are available if you experience a civil rights violation and file a lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek monetary damages, injunctive relief (such as an order from a court that someone stop doing something or start doing something), or a declaration that your rights were violated. In some instances, punitive damages may also be available, which punish the wrongdoer and deter future civil rights violations. You may also sometimes recover attorney’s fees and costs. It is important to note that the availability of these remedies will depend upon the specific facts of your case and the applicable law.
How a Civil Rights Lawyer Can Help You
A civil rights lawyer advocates for those whose civil rights have been violated. If you have suffered discrimination, harassment, or other civil rights violations, a civil rights lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation. Your lawyer can represent you in legal proceedings and work to ensure that your rights are respected and that you receive fair treatment. In addition, a civil rights lawyer can advise you on the appropriate steps to take to protect yourself. They can file complaints and lawsuits, negotiate settlements, and pursue alternative forms of dispute resolution on your behalf.
Speak With a Kennewick Civil Rights Lawyer
If you believe your civil rights were violated, it is crucial to speak with a Kennewick civil rights lawyer. At Tamaki Law, we understand the importance of protecting civil rights and are dedicated to advocating for those whose rights have been violated. Our experienced legal team can help you navigate the complex laws surrounding civil rights cases and fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at (509) 783-8333 to schedule an initial legal consultation and learn more about your legal options.