civil rights

[ siv-uhl rahyts ]

plural noun

, (often initial capital letters)

1. rights to personal liberty established by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and certain Congressional acts, especially as applied to an individual or a minority group.
2. the rights to full legal, social, and economic equality extended to African Americans.

civil rights

plural noun

1. the personal rights of the individual citizen, in most countries upheld by law, as in the US
2. modifier of, relating to, or promoting equality in social, economic, and political rights

civil rights

1. A broad range of privileges and rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and subsequent amendments and laws that guarantee fundamental freedoms to all individuals. These freedoms include the rights of free expression and action ( civil liberties ); the right to enter into contracts , own property, and initiate lawsuits; the rights of due process and equal protection of the laws ; opportunities in education and work; the freedom to live, travel, and use public facilities wherever one chooses; and the right to participate in the democratic political system.

Notes

Efforts to redress the situation of inequality, such as the civil rights movement and the women's movement , have resulted in legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , in affirmative action , and in the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil rights¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

Despite those efforts, “there is evidence that the problems continue,” the civil rights office concluded.

From Los Angeles Times

Beginning over a decade ago, there were lawsuits, civil rights complaints and other public actions against the firm.

From New York Times

This pattern dates back to the 1960s, he adds, when the Democratic party became associated with the civil rights movement and white Christian groups began migrating to the Republican Party.

From BBC

Three of Malcolm X's daughters filed a lawsuit against the FBI, CIA and New York Police Department on Friday, alleging that the three agencies took part in the 1965 assassination of the civil rights leader.

From Salon

“But when an officer acts in a manner that violates the civil rights of another person, we will respond to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in our system of justice.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• freedom
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech
• human rights