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.
Rockport is a city in Aransas County, Texas, United States. The population was 7,385 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Aransas County. The town is named for the rock ledge underlying its shore. It is located south of the Live Oak Peninsula, which stretches out into Copano Bay. Rockport Texas is a coastal community of approximately 8000 citizens. Large windswept live oaks are a dominating feature of the area and the state's oldest live oak, "Big Tree," resides on nearby Lamar Peninsula. The towns of Rockport and Fulton intermingle and many refer to the combined communities as "Rockport-Fulton. " The community has a Maritime Museum, The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, art galleries and shops. Birders will find more opportunities to add to their life lists here than almost anywhere else in North America. Local operators offer wintertime tours of nesting whooping cranes in the large Aransas National Wildlife Refuge located nearby. Local birders and organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique bird watching reserves such as the Connie Hagar sanctuary and Aransas Woods that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of several species of hummingbirds, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which includes tours of local residences where hundreds of ruby throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders. The city's beachfront park has won awards for "The Nation's Cleanest Beach". The city hosts several fairs and expositions each year including the Fiesta De La Playa, Seafair and a Wine Festival.