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.
Wyoming is a village on the Wood River in southern Rhode Island, primarily in the town of Richmond, but extending north across the river (which defines the town line) into the town of Hopkinton. Wyoming is a post office location, assigned zip code 02898. The Wyoming Village Historic District is a historic district roughly bounded by Rhode Island Routes 138 and 3, Old Nooseneck Hill Road, Bridge and Prospect Streets in Richmond. The district features Greek Revival, late-Victorian and Federal architecture and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The historic district covers properties in both the towns of Richmond and Hopkinton, with a total area of 570 acres. The Hillsdale Historic and Archeological District in Richmond also is identified as being in the vicinity of Wyoming. The village was the site of industrial activity early in its history due to the ready availability of water power from the river. Brand’s Iron Works already existed on the Hopkinton side of the river as of 1787. A textile mill known as Brothers Cotton Mill was established on the Richmond side of Wyoming in 1814.