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.
Rochester is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan on the northern outskirts of metro Detroit. The population was 10,467 at the 2000 census. The 2008 census estimate places the population at 11,002. The City of Rochester is bordered on the north, south, and west by the City of Rochester Hills, and to the east by Shelby Township in Macomb County. Rochester has great natural beauty due to the three waterways that surround the city, abundant green space of three parks, and two winding nature trails. Residents can enjoy fishing in the Clinton River or biking along the Paint Creek Trail. "Rochester", or the "Rochester Area", are often used to describe Rochester, Oakland Township, and Rochester Hills. Those living in the much larger surrounding area of Rochester Hills and Oakland Charter Township often refer to themselves as living in Rochester. Very few residents describe themselves as living in Rochester Hills or Oakland Township. Both cities and township use Rochester as a mailing address, and are served mostly by Rochester Community Schools. The Rochester area also incorporates the small villages of Stoney Creek and Goodison.