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.
Newton Highlands is a village of Newton, Massachusetts. Newton Highlands is largely suburban outside of the village and the commercial district running along Winchester and Needham Streets. Newton Highlands' small commercial district runs along Lincoln St. , perpendicular to Walnut St. Vendors there include: Newton Pizza House, Games and Gizmos, Walnut Market, 57 Lincoln, Baker's Best, Green Planet Kids, Bread & Lily (in the location of the former Ice Cream Works and Citrio), Kim's Nail Salon, Lincoln Street Coffee, Ohara's Food and Spirits, and others as well. The first Brighams was located in Newton Highlands. It was home to the Hyde School which was an elementary school, which burned down in a raging fire and is now condominiums. Two the south, a dense commercial district along Needham Street includes stalwarts such as China Fair,and the New England Mobile Book Fair among many others. Since 1959 the neighborhood has had its own MBTA Green Line station, Newton Highlands Station, close to this commercial center. There also is an annual celebration in June called Village Day, a general celebration for the Newton Highlands community. There is a 5 kilometer road race, crafts and local food is sold, a small carnival is set up, and local bands and musicians often entertain the crowds.