Civil Rights

Civil Rights

Rights that protect individuals from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc., and ensure equal treatment under the law.

Suspect Classification

Categories like race or ethnicity that trigger strict scrutiny because they are often used to discriminate.

Strict Scrutiny

The highest level of court review; a law must serve a compelling government interest and be narrowly tailored.

Separate-but-Equal Doctrine

A legal doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) that allowed racial segregation if facilities were 'equal'; overturned by Brown v. Board (1954).

De Jure Segregation

Racial separation by law (e.g., Jim Crow laws).

De Facto Segregation

Racial separation in practice or social conditions, not by law (e.g., housing patterns).

Civil Disobedience

Peacefully breaking unjust laws to protest inequality.

Police Powers

State power to regulate behavior for the health, safety, and morals of citizens.

Equality of Result

The idea that society must take steps to equalize outcomes.

Equality of Opportunity

Everyone should have the same starting point, not necessarily the same outcome.

Affirmative Action

Policies that give preference to minorities or women in jobs and education to address past discrimination.

Reverse Discrimination

Claim that affirmative action unfairly discriminates against majority groups.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Ruling that upheld segregation laws under 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Ruling that overturned Plessy, declaring that separate schools are inherently unequal.

Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg (1971)

Ruling that allowed busing and racial quotas to enforce desegregation.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that banned discrimination in public places and employment based on race, gender, and religion.

Reasonableness Standard

Used for laws about age, income, etc.; must be logical.

Strict Scrutiny standard for Race

Very hard to justify racial distinctions; requires a compelling interest.

Quid Pro Quo (Sexual Harassment)

Job benefits tied to sexual favors; employers are always liable.

Hostile Work Environment

Repeated offensive behavior creating a toxic workplace; employers liable if aware.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Supreme Court case that established abortion rights based on privacy.

Parental Consent in Abortion

Allowed with judicial bypass according to post-Roe restrictions.

Five Requirements for Naturalization

Includes being 18+, lawful resident for 5 years, and passing tests.

Affirmative Action Standards

Race can be a factor but not the sole basis; no rigid quotas allowed.

Compensatory Action

Helping disadvantaged people gain equal footing through training or outreach.

Preferential Treatment

Giving advantage based solely on race/gender, often ruled unconstitutional.

Public opinion shift (Civil Rights)

Television revealed injustices leading to changes in public perceptions.

Impact of JFK's assassination

Provided momentum to LBJ's push for civil rights.

1964 congressional elections

Brought in more civil rights supporters.

Guidelines for desegregation enforcement

Include school boundary redrawing and monitoring predominantly Black schools.