People often use the terms civil rights and civil liberties to mean the same thing. However, under the law, they are not identical. Both are designed to protect individuals, but they do so in different ways.
In simple terms, civil liberties are your basic freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. They protect you from government interference in your personal life. Civil rights, on the other hand, ensure everyone is treated equally under the law. They help prevent discrimination in public spaces, jobs, housing, and more.
If you live in Chicago and believe your rights have been violated, it’s important to know the difference between these two concepts and how the law can help you.
Civil Liberties: Your Basic Constitutional Freedoms
Civil liberties come directly from the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They protect you from unfair treatment by the government and ensure certain freedoms for all people.
Some examples of civil liberties include:
- Freedom of speech and religion: You have the right to express yourself and practice any faith (or none at all).
- Right to privacy: The government can’t interfere in your personal life without a good reason.
- Protection from unreasonable searches: Police must have a warrant or probable cause before searching your home or property.
- Right to due process: You must be treated fairly if you’re accused of a crime or involved in a court case.
If a government official, such as a Chicago police officer, violates these rights, you may be able to file a civil rights lawsuit under Section 1983. This is a federal law that allows citizens to sue public officials for violating constitutional protections.
Civil Rights: Equal Protection for Everyone
Civil rights ensure that all people are treated fairly and equally, regardless of who they are. These laws protect individuals from discrimination by employers, landlords, schools, or government agencies.
Under Illinois law and federal statutes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it’s illegal to treat someone differently based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
Common civil rights violations in Chicago include:
- Being denied a promotion or fired because of your gender or race
- Harassment or retaliation for reporting discrimination at work
- Police misconduct or use of excessive force
- Denial of equal access to housing or public services
Civil rights laws exist to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities and that no one is unfairly targeted or mistreated.
How Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Work Together
Although the two terms are different, civil rights and civil liberties often overlap. For example, if police target protesters based on race or political beliefs, that would violate both their civil liberty (freedom of speech) and their civil right (equal protection under the law).
In many cases, a single incident may give rise to multiple claims. For example, a person who suffers physical harm during a wrongful conviction or arrest could pursue both a personal injury claim for damages and a civil rights lawsuit for the constitutional violation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Violation
If you believe your civil rights or liberties have been violated in Chicago, you may have legal options.
A civil rights lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing the facts of your case
- Determining which laws apply
- Gathering evidence and witness statements
- Filing claims and/or lawsuits to pursue justice and compensation
Possible compensation may include money for both economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact a Chicago Civil Rights Lawyer for Legal Help
Violations of civil rights or civil liberties can lead to serious harm, but know that the law entitles you to take legal action for financial relief in these circumstances. A knowledgeable Chicago civil rights attorney from Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can explain your legal options and, from there, help you fight for justice as well as compensation.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your rights and how to protect them.
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.8815493,-87.6327515
