Equal rights under the law

FederalStatutes

Ask Donna

How this section applies to your facts.

Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE > CHAPTER 21—CIVIL RIGHTS > SUBCHAPTER I—GENERALLY

This text was captured on Sep 9, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every State and Territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject to like punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind, and to no other.

(R.S. § 1977; Pub. L. 102–166, title I, § 101 , Nov. 21, 1991 , 105 Stat. 1071 .)

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.