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.
Cortlandt Manor is an area located in the Town of Cortlandt in Northern Westchester County, New York. Cortlandt Manor is situated directly east, north and south of Peekskill, and east of three villages of the Town of Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Crugers, and Montrose. Most of the area is made up of middle-class residential homes. Until 1991, this area shared a mailing address and ZIP Code (10566) with the city of Peekskill. Although it now has its own ZIP code, 10567, many directories and censuses still do not include Cortlandt Manor, because it is unincorporated. Residents move here for the good schools, housing values, and scenic beauty. The town contains the Blue Mountain Reservation which has many acres of hiking trails. The term "Cortlandt Manor" was created by the United States Post Office to differentiate this part of the town of Corlandt from Cortland, New York. The name Cortlandt Manor is derived from the estate of Van Cortlandt (actually located in Croton-on-Hudson), the colonial aristocrat who originally owned much of the area. Cortlandt Manor is part of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District. Two of the schools in Hendrick Hudson Central School District are located in Cortlandt Manor: Furnace Woods Elementary School and Blue Mountain Middle School, which are separated by multiple soccer fields. Other parts of Cortlandt Manor are in the Lakeland Central School District. One of the Lakeland Central School District schools is located in Cortlandt Manor: Walter Panas High School.