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.
Epworth is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,428 at the 2000 census, but is now estimated to be 1,589 (2006). Epworth is the now the fifth-largest city in Dubuque County with spacious, new subdivisions housing many new residents, a significant portion of whom work in Dubuque, Iowa or elsewhere outside the community. The 11.3% increase in population from 2000 to 2006 places Epworth above the 90th percentile in population growth among municipalities nationwide. Epworth is home to Divine Word College, which is a Roman Catholic seminary. Also, Western Dubuque High School is in Epworth.