Overview of Selected Federal Criminal Civil Rights Statutes (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Dec. 16, 2014 |
| Report Number |
R43830 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Alison M. Smith, Legislative Attorney |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Federal criminal civil rights laws impose criminal penalties for deprivation of certain federal rights, privileges, or immunities. These laws prohibit hate crimes based on race, color, religion, or national origin; the burning of places of worship; violence against health care providers; and the transport of persons (particularly women and children) for the purpose of enslavement or forced labor. Some of these laws require a discriminatory motivation while others, such as human trafficking, do not. Some cover offenders acting "under color of any law."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigates alleged violations. Punishments can range from a fine to lifetime imprisonment; in some cases the death penalty may be imposed, depending upon the circumstances and the resulting injury, if any.
This report provides a brief summary of selected federal criminal civil right statutes:
Conspiracy Against Rightsâ18 U.S.C. §241
Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Lawâ18 U.S.C. §242
Federally Protected Activitiesâ18 U.S.C. §245
Damage to Religious Propertyâ18 U.S.C. §247
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrancesâ18 U.S.C. §248
Hate Crime Actsâ18 U.S.C. §249
Criminal Interference With Right to Fair Housingâ42 U.S.C. §3631
