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Missouri, United States Attorneys in related practice areas.
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Browse our 1 legal question about Civil & Human Rights in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Civil and human rights law safeguards individual freedoms and protects citizens from discrimination or abuse by the government, businesses, institutions, or other individuals. In Missouri, these laws are informed by both federal and state constitutions, statutes, and legal precedents. Civil rights typically cover freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, or other protected characteristics. Human rights encompass even broader protections, emphasizing inherent rights to dignity, safety, and equality. These rights impact many aspects of daily life, from employment and education to access to housing and public services.
You may require a civil and human rights lawyer in Missouri if you believe your rights have been violated or if you are facing discrimination or unfair treatment. Common situations include:
A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights, file complaints, gather evidence, represent you in court, negotiate resolutions, or advocate on your behalf with governmental agencies.
In Missouri, civil and human rights are protected under the Missouri Human Rights Act, the Missouri Constitution, and relevant federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Key aspects of local laws include:
Missouri also has specific legal remedies and deadlines (statutes of limitations) for making complaints, which makes early legal advice especially important.
It is illegal to discriminate in employment, housing, or public accommodations based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, or age (between 40 and 69) under state law.
You can file a claim through the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) or through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for federally protected rights. Some cases allow you to go directly to court, but strict deadlines apply.
In most cases, you must file a discrimination complaint with the MCHR within 180 days of the alleged incident, although there may be extensions or exceptions in certain circumstances.
Missouri state law does not explicitly list sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes, but federal law (following Supreme Court decisions) prohibits employment discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Many cities in Missouri have local ordinances that add these protections.
Document your experience, seek medical attention if necessary, file a complaint with the relevant law enforcement agency, and consider speaking to an attorney about a civil rights claim.
Yes. Both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Missouri Human Rights Act require public spaces, employers, and service providers to provide reasonable accommodations and prohibit discrimination based on disability.
Retaliation for reporting discrimination is illegal. If you are fired or suffer adverse actions after making a complaint, you may have a separate legal claim for retaliation.
The agency will investigate your claim, and may attempt mediation or conciliation. If unresolved, the agency may issue a right-to-sue letter, enabling you to pursue your case in court.
Yes, you may be able to recover damages for lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages, or attorney’s fees, depending on your case and the applicable law.
You are not required to have a lawyer, but legal representation can help you understand your rights, meet filing deadlines, prepare your case, and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
If you need further information or support regarding civil and human rights issues in Missouri, consider reaching out to the following organizations and agencies:
If you suspect that your civil or human rights have been violated in Missouri, act promptly to protect your rights. Here are suggested steps:
Consulting with a knowledgeable legal professional is the best way to understand your options, meet legal deadlines, and pursue fair remedies for violations of your rights.
