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.
Cedar Park is a city that lies primarily in Williamson County (and, to a lesser extent, Travis County) in the U.S. state of Texas. From a population of 5,161 in 1990, Cedar Park has grown to approximately 62,308 as of the 2009 U.S. Census Estimate. The city is a major suburb of Austin, the center of which is approximately 16 miles to the southeast, although Austin directly borders Cedar Park at the latter's southern extent.