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.
Bolivar is the county seat of Polk County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,143 at the 2000 census. The city was named for Bolivar, Tennessee, home to many of the original settlers. The town is perhaps best known as the location of Southwest Baptist University and it was ranked number 87 on a list of 100 Best Small Towns in America in 1995. Bolivar is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. Bolivar is named after the South American historical figure, Simón Bolívar, who was nicknamed El Libertador (The Liberator). In another nod to history, the local high school, Bolivar High School, calls its sports teams the Liberators. There is also a small skate park within walking distance from the middle school