What are civil rights?

Civil rights refer to the privileges and protections given to all U.S. citizens by law. These rights are designed to ensure individuals have equal treatment and protection under the law, safeguarding against discrimination and ensuring that everyone has access to fundamental freedoms such as speech, assembly, and due process. This legal framework supports the idea that irrespective of a person's race, gender, religion, or other characteristics, they are entitled to certain basic rights that allow them to participate fully in society.

The concept of civil rights is anchored in foundational documents such as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and later legislation like the Civil Rights Act, which collectively work to protect individuals' freedoms from infringement by the state and other individuals. This framework is essential for promoting equality and justice within a society.