New Jersey Civil Rights Attorney Herbert McDuffy Jr.

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New Jersey Civil Rights Lawyer Herbert McDuffy Jr.

No doubt, at some time during your life, you heard someone say, "That's a violation of my civil rights!" You may have heard it on a popular crime drama on TV, or you may have said it after feeling cheated in some way.

Do you know what your civil rights are, exactly? Do you know how to protect them and stop others from violating them? You should. Your civil rights are important - many of them are worth dying for. And many US military personnel and everyday citizens have given their lives for them.

What Are Civil Rights?

Civil rights are the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to every US citizen, regardless of race, religion, sex, age or disabilities. The underlying principle is people shouldn't be punished because of personal characteristics or traits they were born with and had no control over.

Think of it this way: African-Americans, women or Catholics are entitled to the same civil rights and liberties as Caucasians, men and Atheists.

Your Important Rights & Liberties

Some of things that make it "great to an American" are in fact some of our most cherished and important civil rights and liberties. They's protected and guaranteed by the US Constitution, most state constitutions as well as various federal laws. They include the right to:

Speak openly
Assemble freely, such as participate in public demonstrations or belong to social groups or clubs
Be from false arrest or malicious prosecution
Vote
Due process, meaning you're given advance notice and a chance to defend yourself, if you're tried in court or a basic freedom or liberty is threatened
Be free from excessive bails and fines, and cruel and unusual punishment
A speedy and public trial, sometimes by a jury
Equal protection of the laws, meaning you're entitled to the same benefits and protections of any state or federal law the same as any other citizen
Privacy from unreasonable and unwarranted government intrusion into your home and personal affairs
Fighting Discrimination

It's discrimination when your civil rights are denied or interfered with because you belong to a certain group or class of people with certain characteristics or traits, such race, religion, sex, age or disabilities. For instance, your civil rights are probably being violated if you're:

Denied access to a voting booth simply because you're Asian or a woman
Arrested for participating in a peaceful political demonstration, or burning the US flag
Physically assaulted or beaten excessively without justification by law enforcement