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.
Bennington is a town in Bennington County, Vermont, United States. It is one of two shire towns of the county, the other being Manchester. The population was 15,737 at the 2000 census. By population, Bennington is the largest town in southern Vermont, the third-largest town in Vermont, and the sixth-largest municipality in the state. Bennington is home to the Bennington Battle Monument, which is the tallest structure in the state of Vermont.