A Case Of Race: Why Racial Overtones In A Case Require A Civil Rights Attorney

There is a constant tension between Caucasians and African Americans, so much so in fact that any case that has one white and one black person involved is suddenly seen as an issue of race versus race. It is highly unlikely that every case that involves two or more races is a "race case," but it still helps to employ a civil rights attorney. Here are some valid reasons why:

The Civil Rights Attorney Can Determine If There Is a Racial Issue

The problem with these types of cases is trying to determine if racism was a catalyst for the events. Was someone killed because of race? Was someone denied employment because of race? Was someone prohibited from entering an establishment or renting an apartment because of race? All of these cases have to be explored from the racial perspective. If the civil rights attorney cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the question of race was involved, then the defense lawyer will have to take another stance for the client.

Acting as a Civil Rights Legal Consultant

A civil rights lawyer may also act as a legal consultant on cases that have questionable measures of racism involved. Then you may have not one, but two lawyers working on your case. The civil rights attorney would handle the investigation into the allegations, act as an in-court consultant, and assist your other lawyer with preparing a defense.   

Taking the Case Personally When Racism IS Involved

At times, there can be NO denying that racism is involved in a case. When that happens, the civil rights lawyer can take the place of a criminal lawyer. Whether he/she defends the accused or represents the accuser is up to the lawyer. However, clear-cut proof of racism in the case makes it a virtual win for the civil rights lawyer.

Cases Involving Other Infringements of Civil Rights

Sometimes it is more than just another person's race that spurned the events. Sometimes it is ageism, sexism, religious beliefs, etc. When it is a combination of several of these "-isms," the civil rights attorney lists all of the infringements that are, or could be, involved. If you are the accused, you have a lot to lose. If you are the accuser, you have a lot to prove without undeniable evidence. Still, it is worth consulting a civil rights attorney to see if any of the above applies to your case.


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