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Civil Rights Claims in Wyoming, Idaho and Utah

John Bowers and Bowers Law Firm have successfully litigated civil rights claims throughout the Mountain West, ranging from police misconduct to wrongful termination. To win a civil rights claim, you need an attorney that understands the complex federal law and successful experience in court. 

John Bowers and Bowers Law Firm provide that knowledge and experience.


When Can You Make a Civil Rights Claim? Key Areas and Real-Life Examples by John Bowers 
Civil rights protect individuals from unfair treatment and discrimination in many aspects of daily life. When those rights are violated, the law provides avenues to seek justice. Whether it happens at work, in public, or through government action, understanding where and how civil rights apply is the first step in recognizing when they’ve been infringed. 

Here are the most common areas where a person can bring a civil rights claim, along with real-life examples for each. 
1. Police Misconduct and Excessive Force

Protected by: Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 

Examples: 

  • An unarmed person is subjected to excessive force during a police stop. 

  • A person is wrongfully arrested or detained without probable cause. 

  • An officer uses racial slurs or targets individuals based on race. 

Where to File: Federal or state court (via civil rights lawsuits), or complaints to local law enforcement oversight bodies 

2. Employment Discrimination 

Protected by: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Equal Pay Act, etc. 

Examples: 

  • A qualified woman is repeatedly passed over for promotions in favor of less experienced male coworkers. 

  • A Muslim employee is terminated after requesting time off for religious observance. 

  • An employee with a disability is denied reasonable accommodations and then let go. 

Where to File: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 

3. Free Speech Violations 

Protected by: First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 

Examples: 

  • A public school suspends a student for expressing a political opinion during a school event. 

  • A government employee is demoted for speaking out on matters of public concern unrelated to their official duties. 

  • A protester is arrested for peacefully demonstrating in a public space without violating any laws. 

Important Note: The First Amendment generally protects individuals from government action, not from consequences imposed by private employers or businesses. So, while you can’t be arrested for expressing an unpopular opinion in public, you can be fired by a private employer for it—unless it relates to another protected right or activity. 

Where to File: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

4. Education Discrimination 

Protected by: Title IX (gender), Title VI (race, color, national origin), Section 504 (disability) 

Examples: 

  • A school fails to address racial bullying, causing a student to withdraw. 

  • A female athlete is denied equal resources compared to male sports teams. 

  • A student with a disability is denied necessary classroom accommodations. 

Where to File: U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 

5. Voting Rights Violations

Protected by: Voting Rights Act of 1965, Help America Vote Act, U.S. Constitution 

Examples: 

  • A voter is denied access to the polls due to race or disability. 

  • A state passes a law that disproportionately disenfranchises minority voters. 

  • Voter intimidation or harassment at polling stations. 

Where to File: U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, or in federal court 

6. Public Accommodations Discrimination 

Protected by: Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title II), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Examples: 

  • A restaurant refuses to serve someone based on race. 

  • A person with a service dog is denied entry to a public business. 

  • A store implements policies that disproportionately affect people of a specific religion or nationality. 

Where to File: DOJ Civil Rights Division or state human rights commissions 

7. Prisoners’ Rights 

Protected by: Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 

Examples: 

  • An inmate is denied adequate medical care for a serious health issue. 

  • A prisoner is placed in solitary confinement based on their sexual orientation. 

  • Guards use excessive force or subject inmates to racial abuse. 

Where to File: Federal court under §1983 

8. Retaliation for Exercising Civil Rights 

Protected by: All major civil rights statutes include anti-retaliation provisions 

Examples: 

  • An employee is fired after filing a discrimination complaint. 

  • A tenant is evicted after reporting housing discrimination. 

  • A student faces harassment after reporting sexual assault to the school. 

Know Your Rights. Know Your Power.

Civil rights law is meant to protect every person from discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment in both public and private life. If you believe your rights have been violated, it’s important to document the issue, report it through the proper channels, and seek legal advice when necessary. 

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Don’t stay silent—standing up for your civil rights helps protect others, contact Bowers Law Firm. 

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