Civil Rights Defense Litigation involves lawyers defending individuals, businesses, or government entities (especially law enforcement) against claims of violating constitutional rights, covering issues like discrimination, police misconduct, free speech, and equal treatment, using the complex federal/state court system to research, argue, and settle disputes, aiming for fair treatment and policy changes.
What it covers
Discrimination: Based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability.
Goals: To protect clients from liability, ensure due process, and sometimes shape policy or provide training for risk management.
Legal Basis: Often involves federal laws like 42 U.S.C. § 1983, allowing citizens to sue government employees for rights violations.
How it differs from plaintiff’s work
While plaintiffs sue for violations (seeking compensation/injunctions), defense attorneys counter these claims, ensuring fair application of the law and protecting their clients from unwarranted suits.
In essence, civil rights defense ensures that even as rights are enforced, individuals and institutions have proper legal representation against potentially complex and high-stakes civil rights claims.
