Civil Rights vs. Civil Liberties
It is important to note the difference between "civil rights" and "civil liberties." The legal area known as "civil rights" has traditionally revolved around the basic right to be free from unequal treatment based on certain protected characteristics (race, gender, disability, etc.) in settings such as employment and housing [as well as others]. "Civil liberties" concern basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed -- either explicitly identified in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, or interpreted through the years by courts and lawmakers. Civil liberties include:
Freedom of speech
The right to privacy
The right to be free from unreasonable searches of your home
The right to a fair court trial
The right to marry
The right to vote
One way to consider the difference between "civil rights" and "civil liberties" is to look at: 1) what right is affected, and 2) whose right is affected. For example, as an employee, you do not have the legal right to a promotion, mainly because getting a promotion is not a guaranteed "civil liberty." But, as a female employee you do have the legal right to be free from discrimination in being considered for that promotion -- you cannot legally be denied the promotion based on your gender (or race, or disability, etc.). By choosing not to promote a female worker solely because of the employee's gender, the employer has committed a civil rights violation and has engaged in unlawful employment discrimination based on sex or gender.
from, http://civilrights.findlaw.com/civil-rights-overview/civil-rights-vs-civil-liberties.html
Read the following hypothetical scenarios, and answer whether they violate “civil rights” or “civil liberties.”
1. Yolanda was born in Mississippi. At the age of 17, she and her family moved to Idaho. Upon turning 18, she inquired about registering to vote. The person at the counter did not ask for any documentation to show Yolanda’s eligibility to vote, and merely turned Yolanda away, telling her she would not be able to register. Which was being violated, Yolanda’s civil liberties or her civil rights?
2. When he was 22, John was involved in an auto accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He has been working for the same insurance company for five years, and the opportunity for a promotion comes up. He meets all the requirements of the job, but is denied the promotion because he cannot “get around” as well as others. Which has been violated, John’s civil liberties or his civil rights?
3. Tina is told she cannot try out for her high school’s football team because she is a girl. Which has been violated, Tina’s civil liberties or her civil rights?
4. On his way home from the store, Joaquin is followed by police. He has done nothing to warrant this, but he is pulled over and his car is searched, without his being told why. Which has been violated, Joaquin’s civil liberties or his civil rights?