Civil Rights and Social Justice Key Terms

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering civil rights, social justice, and policy key terms from the lecture.

civil rights

Rights guaranteed to individuals of a society by law

social justice

The concept of fair distribution of rights, opportunities, and resources within a society.

prejudice

A belief of dislike over another based on misconceptions

discrimination

The action of treating people differently based on their identity

oppression

Cruel intent of authority or power over a group (due to discrimination)

human rights

Rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, race, religion, or language.

Bill of Rights

first 10 amendments guaranteeing individual rights and civil liberties.

institutional racism

Practice within institutions that systematically result in discrimination towards race

hate crime laws

legal penalties for crimes motivated by bias or prejudice

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

Amendment signed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.

affirmative action

set of policies to improve equality and address discrimination

equality

The state of being equal, particularly in status, rights, power, and opportunities.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Federal legislation created to improve community and legal system responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

institutional racism

regulations used to differentiate and discriminate towards race

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

stops discrimination against people with disabilities