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.
Cook Station is an unincorporated community in southern Crawford County, Missouri, United States. It is located about ten miles south of Steelville. Cook Station was formerly a stop on the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad Line. The Dunlap Hotel is still located there, as well as a general store and a bank. There were regularly dances in town in the 30s and 40s, and the area became a popular destination as a swimming area in the 50’s and 60’s after the train stopped coming through. The original general store was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1905. Most of the population of Cook Station lives on the surrounding farms that make up what is considered Cook Station. There are quite a few cattle, goat, and dairy farms in this general area. Cook Station is located very near the beginning of the Meramec River, and often sees spring flooding throughout the valley it is located in.