CIVIL RIGHTS

The following page contains some of the major primary legal sources dealing with civil rights, and links to some of the major institutions. For more detailed information regarding specific civil rights, e.g. employment discrimination or sexual orientation, see those topical pages.

Primary Law

U.S. Code Title 42, Chapter 21 (42 USC §§1981-2000h-6) From Cornell Legal Information Institute, the main civil rights chapter from the U.S. Code

Massachusetts Declaration of Rights The first part of the Massachusetts Constitution, analagous to the Bill of Rights

U.S. Constitution FindLaw's hypertext constitution, including the bill of rights, with links to case annotations.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights The 1948 U.N. declaration of the "Equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family."

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights A major international agreement regarding civil rights. Ratified by the United States in 1992, with many reservations

Civil Rights Organizations

America Civil Liberties Union The Nation's Foremost advocate of individual rights. An outstanding website, with links to state organizations, legislative and judicial information regarding civil rights & civil liberties, and a subject directory of civil rights issues.

ACLU - Massachusetts Chapter The Massachusetts chapter of the ACLU, with links to news and legal information on civil rights in Massachusetts.

Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division The branch of the Department of Justice established for the purpose of enforcing federal statutes that prohibit exclusion and discrimination

People for the American Way A Political Action Committee organized to fight for justice, fairness, civil liberties, etc. etc.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights

Collections of Civil Rights Information

Findlaw's collection of civil rights information

Payles Legal Research Center Civil Rights page

Last updated: January 5, 2005

Compilation of sources and web design by Brian Flaherty, Reference Librarian.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email: Lusiella Fazzino, Electronic Services and Reference Librarian.