It is important to note the difference between “civil rights” and “civil liberties.” The legal area known as “civil rights” has traditionally revolved around the basic right not to be subjected to a treatment no equal on the basis of certain protected trait (race, sex, disability, etc) in environments such as employment and housing.
The “civil liberties” are concerned with the rights and basic freedoms guaranteed, either identified explicitly in the Declaration of Rights and the Constitution, or interpreted over the years by courts and lawmakers. (For more information on the theme we have this article in English: Specific Types of Civil Liberties.) Civil liberties include:
- Freedom of expression
- The right to privacy
- The right to not submit to searches, unjustified of your home
- The right to a fair trial in a court
- The right to marriage
- The right to vote
A way of contemplating the difference between “civil rights” and “civil liberties” is to observe 1) what right is affected and (2) the rights of who are affected. For example, as an employee, you do not have the legal right to receive a promotion, mainly because the ascent is not a “civil liberty” guaranteed.
However, as an employed woman, yes you have the legal right not to suffer discrimination to be considered such advancement, that is to say, may not be denied promotion based on their sex (or race, disability, etc). When you choose not to ascend to an employed woman solely because of her sex, the employer has committed a violation of a civil right and has participated in employment discrimination illegal on the basis of sex.
How can I Get the Help of a Lawyer?
If you believe you have been the victim of a violation of civil rights, the first step is to talk with a lawyer who specializes in civil rights. Important decisions related to your case can be complicated: you must know what laws apply in your situation and who may be at fault for the damages you suffered. A lawyer who specializes in civil rights will evaluate all aspects of your case and explain the options you have at your disposal to ensure the best possible outcome.
Watch video Civil rights and Civil Liberties in 10 minutes
A short lecture over viewing major concepts found on the United States History and Government Regents examination. Touches base with the meaning of the 14th amendment, Plesey v Ferguson, Booker T. Washington, WEB DuBois, Martin Luther King, NAACP, Brown v Board of Ed, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, civil disobedience as well as some other ideas.
