Civil rights generally refers to the law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or religion. Discrimination occurs when a person’s rights are denied or interfered with on the basis of their membership in such a particular group or class.

Civil rights are distinct from civil liberties, such as the right to vote, freedom of speech, and other rights in the Bill of Rights (first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution).

Civil rights law includes the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Twenty-Fourth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution—and federal statutes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

In Alaska, as in all states, civil rights are protected under both federal and state laws. Federal civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. These laws apply to various areas, including employment, education, housing, and access to public accommodations. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery, the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law, the Fifteenth Amendment prohibits racial discrimination in voting, and the Twenty-Fourth Amendment outlaws poll taxes. In addition to these federal protections, Alaska has its own set of statutes that address civil rights. The Alaska Human Rights Law, for example, prohibits discrimination in employment, credit and financing practices, and places of public accommodation. It is enforced by the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights. It's important to note that while civil rights ensure protection against discrimination, civil liberties are concerned with fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech and the right to vote. An attorney specializing in civil rights law can provide guidance on how these laws apply to specific situations in Alaska.