What Are Civil Rights?

Civil rights are personal rights guaranteed and protected by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws enacted by Congress, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Civil rights include, for example:

• freedom of speech,
• the right to vote, 
• due process of law, 
• equal protection of the laws, and 
• protection from unlawful discrimination.  

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)