# 42 U.S.C. § 1981: Equal rights under the law

> Federal · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1981

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 U.S.C. § 1981
- **Heading:** Equal rights under the law
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 9, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE > CHAPTER 21—CIVIL RIGHTS > SUBCHAPTER I—GENERALLY

## 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 .)

## Nearby sections

- [42 U.S.C. § 1981 Equal rights under the law](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1981.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1981a Damages in cases of intentional discrimination in employment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1981a.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1982 Property rights of citizens](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1982.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1983 Civil action for deprivation of rights](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1983.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1984 Omitted](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1984.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1985 Conspiracy to interfere with civil rights](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1985.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1986 Action for neglect to prevent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1986.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1987 Prosecution of violation of certain laws](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1987.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1988 Proceedings in vindication of civil rights](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1988.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1989 United States magistrate judges; appointment of persons to execute warrants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1989.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1990 Marshal to obey precepts; refusing to receive or execute process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1990.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1991 Fees; persons appointed to execute process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1991.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1992 Speedy trial](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1992.md)
- [42 U.S.C. § 1993 Repealed. Pub. L. 85–315 , pt. III, § 122, Sept. 9, 1957 , 71 Stat. 637](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1993.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t42_s1981. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.