Civil rights violations don’t usually get the kind of media attention that they once did but that doesn’t mean that those violations no longer occur. For people who believe that they may be a victim of a civil rights violation in Birmingham, there are several avenues of recourse that are available. There are “causes of action” that can be taken against such violations with some applying to private entities and others applying to government entities or individuals. The prevue of section 1983 of the United States Code is usually where violations by government entities or individuals apply. This clause dictates that a person can take a “private cause of action” against someone who deprives them of their rights as dictated by the US Constitution.
One of the more common forms that civil rights violations take is that of employment discrimination. This type of civil rights violation falls under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or prospective employee based solely on the individual’s color, race, nationality, religious affiliation, or sex. Filing this kind of lawsuit against an employer requires the individual to first file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). An investigation into the case then follows and if the complaint is found to be valid, a “right to sue” letter is issued.
Once a right to sue letter is issued by the individual and his or her attorney they have ninety days to file a corresponding lawsuit. There are different procedural challenges and protocols that need to be observed in regard to the various causes of action associated with civil rights violations. Individuals who feel their civil rights have been violated are encouraged to find competent legal counsel experienced in fighting such cases.
