Civil Rights Act of 1991

Definition

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 is a significant piece of legislation that aimed to strengthen and expand the civil rights protections established in previous laws. It was designed to address issues of employment discrimination, providing individuals with the ability to seek damages in cases of intentional discrimination and ensuring that existing civil rights laws were more effectively enforced.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 was passed in response to several Supreme Court decisions that had weakened protections against employment discrimination, making it harder for victims to prove their cases.
2. This act allowed individuals to seek compensatory and punitive damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination, including situations involving sexual harassment.
3. It reaffirmed the right of individuals to sue for damages in both federal and state courts, enhancing their ability to seek justice for discriminatory practices.
4. The act also expanded the definition of unlawful discrimination to include a broader range of actions, thus providing greater protection for employees.
5. The legislation included provisions that required employers to demonstrate that their employment practices are job-related and consistent with business necessity when challenged by claims of disparate impact.

Review Questions

• How did the Civil Rights Act of 1991 enhance protections for individuals facing employment discrimination?
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1991 enhanced protections by allowing individuals to pursue compensatory and punitive damages in cases of intentional discrimination. This change made it easier for victims to seek justice, as they could now hold employers accountable financially. Additionally, the act reinforced the ability to sue in both federal and state courts, expanding avenues for legal recourse against discriminatory practices.
• What were the main motivations behind the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, particularly concerning Supreme Court rulings?
  • The main motivations behind the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 included a response to several Supreme Court rulings that had weakened protections against employment discrimination. These rulings made it more challenging for individuals to prove their cases, prompting lawmakers to act. By addressing these concerns, the legislation aimed to restore and strengthen civil rights protections that had been undermined by the court's decisions.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 on employment practices and civil rights advocacy in the United States.
  • The long-term implications of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 have been significant for both employment practices and civil rights advocacy. By establishing stronger legal frameworks for addressing employment discrimination, the act has encouraged more individuals to come forward with claims against discriminatory practices. This has led many employers to adopt more proactive policies regarding diversity and inclusion in their workplaces. Furthermore, it has strengthened civil rights advocacy by providing advocates with additional legal tools to combat discrimination, fostering an environment where equality is increasingly prioritized in hiring and workplace practices.

Related terms

Title VII: A section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): A federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination and investigating complaints against employers.

Disparate Impact: A legal theory used in discrimination cases, which asserts that a seemingly neutral policy or practice disproportionately affects a protected group.