What does the term "civil rights" refer to?

The term "civil rights" primarily refers to the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. This encompasses the fundamental rights that protect individuals from discrimination and ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities and protections under the law. Civil rights serve as a safeguard against unjust treatment based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or disability, enabling individuals to participate fully in civil and political life.

The focus of civil rights is on the broader principles of freedom and equality that apply universally to all citizens, rather than being limited to specific legal protections or privileges. While legal protections against governmental action and the rights of minority groups are important aspects of civil rights, they are more focused subsets within the larger concept. Moreover, civil rights are not privileges granted solely to citizens; they are inherent rights that are recognized and applicable to anyone within a society. This highlights the fundamental nature of civil rights as integral to achieving social equity and justice for all individuals.