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.
Tonopah is a census-designated place (CDP) located in and the county seat of Nye County, Nevada. It is located at the junction of U.S. Routes 6 and 95 approximately mid-way between Las Vegas and Reno. Its name was given to it by its founder, Jim Butler, and it is thought to be a Shoshone Indian word, pronounced "tow-nu-paw". Although the town previously had a variety of names, including Butler City, Jim Butler's name remained. It is said to mean "hidden spring". In the 2000 census the population was 2,627 and the CDP has a total area of 16.2 square miles (42 km), all land.