UNDERSTANDING civil rights

Civil rights law deals with situations where a government actor violates the rights of a citizen. Many of the most widely publicized civil rights cases involve police violence, because the footage of such incidents has become a regular feature of news broadcasts. But civil rights issues arise from many other situations where the government has power, including in jails, prisons, schools, and public meetings, as well as in regulation of core rights like religious practice, the right to protest, and the right to bear arms.

These cases are a proving ground for Americans’ most basic rights.

This page is a jumping-off point for more detailed discussions of particular causes of action, listed below. The page is under construction, with new material continually being added.

If you have a concern about a potential civil rights case, call today. Deadlines for preserving certain claims are short, and there is never any advantage to delay.

BANE ACT

Bane Act Overview

BRADY VIOLATION (SUPPRESSION OF EXCULPATORY OR IMPEACHING EVIDENCE)

Brady Overview

DELIBERATE INDIFFERENCE TO WELFARE OF INMATE (EIGHTH OR FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT VIOLATION)

Deliberate Indifference Overview - Dangerous Physical Conditions

EXCESSIVE FORCE

Excessive Force Overview

FAILURE TO PROTECT

FALSE ARREST AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT (UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW)

False Arrest or Imprisonment - California Law Overview

FIRST AMENDMENT RETALIATION

Claims of First Amendment retaliation involve situations where an individual has been punished or sanctioned for speaking out, or engaging in some other form of constitutionally protected activity. To succeed, these claims must show that the protected speech or action was a “substantial or motivating factor” in the alleged retaliation.

Discipline of Students for Off-Campus Speech (First Amendment)

Retaliation Against Public Employee for Protected Speech (First Amendment)