Civil Rights

Civil Rights refers to the rights established under state and federal constitutions or statutes protecting certain "unalienable rights", such as voting or being free from unlawful searches or seizures and discrimination based upon gender, race, disability, age or other characteristics.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), 42 US Code Section 2000e-2 is a federal law which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of an individual's race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Unruh Civil Rights Act, California Civil Code Section 51, et seq., prohibits discrimination by California "business establishments" on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, gender and disability.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law which protects certain employees against age discrimination in employment.

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), California Government Code Section 12940, et seq., is similar to Title VII and protects individuals under California law. The protections are similar to those of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but is much broader in its protection of employees with medical conditions. The FEHA also protects employees against discrimination based upon gender, race, religion, medical condition and other characteristics.

Title 42 US Code Section 1983 is a federal law which provides protection of individuals denied rights under "color of state law." These actions are typically based upon denial of due process or equal protection, such as police brutality, or termination of government employees' jobs.