Civil Rights Attorney in Columbus

Americans are afforded various rights based on state law, federal law, and the U.S. Constitution. These are called civil rights, and they refer to a broad set of laws designed to protect people from unfair treatment. The goal of these rights is to ensure that everyone receives equal treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. 

These laws apply to the workplace and other settings. Have your rights been violated? Discuss your situation with a civil rights attorney in Columbus who can help protect your legal rights. 

What are Civil Rights?

Historically, the Civil Rights Movement came about in 1964. While the original goal was to achieve true equality for African Americans, the law has expanded to include civil rights for all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, religion, and other protected classes.

Civil rights are guaranteed to Americans through various federal laws, including:

• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This law prohibits workplace discrimination against employees and employees over the age of 40.
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975. This law prohibits age discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal assistance, such as housing, welfare, educational programs, health care services, food stamps, and rehabilitation programs.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, transportation, public accommodations, and commercial facilities.
• Fair Housing Act (FHA). This law prohibits housing discrimination based on protected classes such as race, religion, gender, and disability.

Other common civil rights issues include violation of First Amendment rights. The First Amendment prevents the government from impeding a U.S. citizen’s right to free speech. The government can sometimes impose reasonable limitations on the time, place, and manner of speech, but such restrictions must be limited.  

Police misconduct is another issue. Police officers cannot violate the civil rights of others. This means they are permitted to use a reasonable degree of force during arrests, but not excessive force. The police lose their immunity once they use excessive force. Victims can then hold police officers accountable for violating their civil rights, which means they can collect compensation for their losses. 

States can also pass their own civil rights laws. Typically, they are similar to those at the federal level and can be more protective of civil rights than their federal equivalents. For example, municipalities such as cities and counties can enact ordinances and laws related to civil rights on hot issues, such as LGBTQ protections.

Contact Us Today

Civil rights cover various elements of everyday life, from housing to employment to education to medical care. All Americans are entitled to these rights and when they are violated, we can take legal action.

You need a civil rights attorney in Columbus. The team at Marshall Forman & Schlein can help you understand your legal options. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (614) 463-9790.