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.
Cleveland is a city in Bolivar County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 13,841 at the 2000 census. It is best known as the home of Delta State University. In addition, Cleveland has a fairly large commercial economy, with numerous restaurants, stores, and services along U.S. Highway 61. The city is served by the newspaper, The Bolivar Commercial. Cleveland is one of the two county seats (the other being Rosedale) of Bolivar County, Mississippi, which was named for the South American liberator Simon Bolivar.