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.
North Chelmsford is an unincorporated village in the town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, United States. Although North Chelmsford has its own zip code, library, post office, police station, fire station, and local calling area, it is run by the same local town government and is part of the same school district as Chelmsford. North Chelmsford is more industrial, more densely populated, and generally less affluent than the rest of Chelmsford. North Chelmsford's separate identity and the town government's perceived bias one way or the other is a political issue - the Lowell Sun ran an article on August 7, 2005 describing the situation as "Chelmsford's Civil War Still Raging On. " Bumper stickers such as "I'm from North Chelmsford - Don't Tread On Me" can be seen around town. When it comes to Chelmsford's rivalry with neighboring Billerica though, Chelmsford and North Chelmsford stand firmly united.