A civil right is an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, and assembly; the right to vote; freedom from involuntary servitude; and the right to equality in public places. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. Statutes have been enacted to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, national origin, and in some instances sexual preference. Civil rights attorneys handle cases involving the rights of individuals to be free from unequal treatment (or discrimination) based on legally-protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, and religion. Civil rights cases can arise in a number of settings -- including employment, housing, lending, and education.
Aptos is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. The population was 9,396 at the 2000 census. Aptos is an unincorporated area of Santa Cruz county, consisting of several small communities. The combined population of the CDPs generally considered as parts of Aptos is around 25,000: Aptos Village, the main business and commerce center on the northwest side of Hwy 1, between State Park Drive and Rio Del Mar Blvd. Seacliff, northwest of Hwy 1, west of Spreckels drive Rio Del Mar, south of Hwy 1, east of Spreckels, down to near Seascape Blvd. Seascape, south west of Hwy 1 La Selva Beach, farthest southeast, also west of Hwy 1. Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Day Valley north/east of Hwy 1.