Constitutional Rights and Remedies
Following the Civil War, local officials in the South, both in and out of power, terrorized the newly freed slaves. Congress responded with a law providing the victims of this abuse with a civil remedy that could be obtained in the federal courts. Under the Civil Rights Act of 1866, a person injured by anyone acting "under color of State law" was entitled to compensation for any harm suffered through the deprivation of the person's federal rights.
In addition, two or more people working together to negate an individual's rights also can be sued by the injured individual.
You have the right to compensation for physical injuries and economic losses.
Protecting Your Rights
Conflicts with government officials arise in many ways. The simplest example is the use of excessive force by police officers. These cases, though horrific, may not be as insidious or damaging as bureaucratic overreach.
The starting point is to understand your rights. Those most often at risk are:
- First Amendment Rights
- freedom of speech conflicts with disturbing the peace
- freedom of speech conflicts with school administrators
- freedom of religion conflicts in public facilities
- Fourth Amendment Rights
- freedom from unreasonable seizures conflicts with warrantless arrests
- freedom from unreasonable searches conflicts with agency inspections
- freedom from unreasonable searches conflicts with investigative hunches
- Fifth Amendment Rights
- the guarantee of due process conflicts with governmental regulation
- the guarantee of due process conflicts with administrative processes
- the guarantee of due process conflicts with governmental standards
I have also seen infringements on the right to vote, to travel, and to transact legitimate business.
How I Can Help You
Seeking relief from governmental action requires knowledge of the law, investigative skill, strategic flexibility, litigation experience, and passionate dedication.
Contact me to discuss your situation. My consultations are free.