Know Your Rights.
Protect Your Freedom.
Every American has constitutional rights that cannot be violated by government officials. When those rights are violated, Section 1983 gives you the power to hold them accountable. We're here to help you understand your rights and take action.
Know Your Constitutional Rights
These fundamental rights are protected by the United States Constitution. When government officials violate them, you have the right to seek justice.
"Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State... subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States... to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured..."
— 42 U.S.C. Section 1983Understanding Your Rights
In-depth guides to help you understand your constitutional protections and what to do when they're violated.
Your Right to Record Police
The First Amendment protects your right to record police officers performing their duties in public. Learn what the courts have said and how to protect yourself.
Read MoreUnderstanding Section 1983
Section 1983 is the federal law that allows you to sue government officials who violate your constitutional rights. Here's how it works.
Read MoreWhat to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
Step-by-step guide on documenting incidents, preserving evidence, and understanding your options when police or government officials violate your rights.
Read MoreFirst Amendment Auditors
Meet the everyday Americans who test and protect our constitutional rights through peaceful First Amendment audits.
Read MoreCivil Rights News
News aggregated from civil rights organizations and major news outlets.
Resources
ACLU - Know Your Rights
Comprehensive guides on your constitutional rights in various situations.
Flex Your Rights
Educational resources about asserting your rights during police encounters.
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Digital rights and privacy protection in the modern age.
Cornell Law - Section 1983
The actual text of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983.
What is Section 1983?
Section 1983 is a powerful federal law that allows citizens to sue government officials who violate their constitutional rights.
Originally passed as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1871 (also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act), Section 1983 was designed to protect citizens from government overreach and abuse of power. Today, it remains one of the most important tools for holding police officers, government employees, and other officials accountable when they violate your rights.
You can use Section 1983 when:
- Police use excessive force against you
- You're arrested without probable cause
- Your right to record in public is violated
- You're subjected to an illegal search or seizure
- Government officials retaliate against you for exercising free speech
What You Can Recover
Money for actual losses: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
Additional damages to punish particularly bad conduct
A court declaration that your rights were violated
Court orders to change policies or prevent future violations
The defendant may be required to pay your legal costs
Have Your Rights Been Violated?
Don't let the moment pass. Document your case while the details are fresh. Our guided tool helps you build a Section 1983 civil rights complaint step by step.
Start Your Case NowNeed Help Understanding Your Rights?
We're here to help you navigate the process. Our tool guides you through every step of documenting your case and building your complaint.