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.
Mertztown is an unincorporated community in Longswamp Township in eastern Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its zip code is 19539. The former Reading Railroad runs through the center of Mertztown, it is used by Norfolk Southern and it is a heavily used railroad branch. The Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad used to go through the Farmington and Klines Corner section of Mertztown but the tracks were tore up years ago. Atlas Minerals, a big mineral company is located in Mertztown, they moved to the town in 1917 and have been there ever since. Brandywine Heights Area High School is also located in Mertztown, as is Gateway Christian School. Mertztown is also the home of the International Juggling Association's World Juggling Champion, LeRoy Hermany.