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.
Roscommon is a village in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 1,133. It is the county seat of Roscommon County. The village is in Higgins Township in the northern part of Roscommon County. Roscommon Township is in the southwest part of the county. The Roscommon post office, with ZIP code 48653, also serves the northern portion of Higgins Township, as well as all of Gerrish Township to the west, most of Lyon Township to the west of Gerrish, and smaller portions of Lake Township to the south of Lyon, Markey Township to the south of Gerrish, Au Sable Township to the east of Higgins and also the southern portions of South Branch Township and Beaver Creek Township to the north in Crawford County. The Roscommon post office first opened January 9, 1873. It was named after the town and county of Roscommon in Ireland. Irishman Charles O'Malley oversaw the renaming of some Michigan counties from Indian names to Irish names in 1843. The South Branch of the Au Sable River (Michigan) passes through the village and contributes to the local economy. Several Canoe Liveries operate in the village and offer water recreation such as kayaking and canoeing.