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 South Dakota, civil rights are protected under both federal and state laws. Federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 provide broad protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and other characteristics. These laws apply to various areas including employment, education, housing, and voting. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which includes the Equal Protection Clause, is particularly significant in prohibiting states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. South Dakota also has its own set of statutes that address civil rights issues, such as the South Dakota Human Relations Act of 1972, which prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing. Additionally, the state enforces laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on age and disability. An attorney specializing in civil rights law can provide guidance on how these laws apply to specific situations within South Dakota.