Blog

September 9, 2024

Civil Rights vs Human Rights

Written by Pointer & Buelna, LLP. Lawyers For The People, reviewed by Adanté Pointer

While both civil rights and human rights are about protecting individuals from discrimination and ensuring equality, there are key differences between them. Civil rights primarily pertain to the rights granted by the government to its citizens, such as the right to vote, equal treatment under the law, and protection against discrimination. On the other hand, human rights are considered universal and inalienable, applying to everyone, regardless of their citizenship. Keep reading to know more about civil rights vs human rights. 

Human rights encompass broader principles such as the right to life, freedom of expression, and protection from torture. At Pointer and Buelna, LLP, we are Fresno civil rights lawyers, and we will walk you through the similarities and differences.

What Are Civil Rights?

Civil rights are the legal protections the government provides to ensure that all citizens receive fair treatment and equal opportunities. These rights are enshrined in various laws and regulations, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the United States. Some common civil rights include freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and protection from discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender, or religion.

What Are Human Rights?

Likewise, human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherently possessed by every individual. Human rights are recognized internationally and protected by treaties and conventions like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human rights encompass a wide range of principles, including the right to life, liberty, and security, the right to be free from torture and cruel treatment, the right to education, and the right to participate in cultural and political life.

Civil Rights vs Human Rights

As Fresno civil rights attorneys, we can assure you that the main difference between civil rights and human rights is in their scope and applicability. Civil rights are specific to citizens within a particular country or jurisdiction, while human rights apply to anyone anywhere, regardless of their citizenship (or lack thereof). Civil rights are granted and protected by the government, while human rights are considered inherent and inalienable, transcending borders and political systems.

Civil Rights Violations

Civil rights violations occur when an individual’s civil rights are infringed upon or denied by the government or their representatives, like police officers. This can include discrimination, unequal treatment, or restrictions on freedoms and liberties. Civil rights violations can lead to legal consequences, and people whose civil rights have been violated have grounds for a lawsuit.

Civil Rights Lawyer vs. Human Rights Lawyer

When it comes to legal representation, there is a distinction between civil rights lawyers and human rights lawyers. Civil rights lawyers primarily focus on cases involving police brutality, for example, within a specific jurisdiction, advocating for people who have experienced unfair treatment. On the other hand, human rights lawyers work on a broader scale, addressing violations of fundamental human rights internationally, such as prosecuting Nazi war crimes after World War II. 

Your Trusted Fresno, California Civil Rights Attorneys

If you survived civil rights violations in Fresno, Pointer and Buelna can assist you. Our conscientious, hard-working, and big-hearted Fresno civil rights attorneys know the legal landscape inside and out in this area. Contact our office online or call (510) 929-5400 today to book a free case review and consultation with one of our lawyers.