Civil Rights Violations
Understanding your constitutional and civil rights protections under federal and Utah law.
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Civil rights are the protections guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution and federal and state law — the right to be free from discrimination, unreasonable government intrusion, and abuse of authority. When those rights are violated, the law provides remedies. This page provides an overview of common civil rights claims.
Section 1983 Claims — Government Misconduct
42 U.S.C. § 1983 allows individuals to sue state and local government officials (including law enforcement) for violations of constitutional rights committed under color of state law. Excessive force by police, unlawful search and seizure, false arrest, and denial of due process can all give rise to Section 1983 claims.
Employment Discrimination
Federal and Utah law prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, pregnancy, and sexual orientation/gender identity. The EEOC and Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division enforce these protections. Claims must typically be filed with the appropriate agency before a lawsuit can be filed.
Housing Discrimination
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. Utah's own Fair Housing Act provides similar protections. Complaints can be filed with HUD or the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division.
First Amendment Rights
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition government. Government actors cannot retaliate against individuals for protected speech. Private employers, however, generally are not bound by the First Amendment — though certain state law and NLRA protections may apply.
Believe Your Rights Were Violated?
Contact Hepworth Legal to discuss your situation. We handle defamation, employment discrimination, and civil litigation.
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