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.
Beaver Falls is a hamlet in the Town of Croghan, west of the Village of Croghan, in Lewis County, New York. The hamlet is home to a population of around 500 (2007 estimate). The hamlet is split into two sections, divided by the Beaver River, which flows down from the village of Croghan. Three bridges cross the river, two vehicle bridges on the upper and lower ends of the hamlet, and a third railway trestle which crosses the river in the center of town behind the Latex Mill. Main street, once a busy district during the early 20th century is now all but stripped of commercial business, with only the Latex Mill and J.P. Lewis Mill still in opertation, and the Post office and Fire Department residing there.