Many people searching for legal help often use the term civil lawyer when what they actually need is a civil rights lawyer. While both areas fall under the broader umbrella of civil litigation, civil law and civil rights law are very different types of legal practice.
Understanding the difference can help individuals find the right attorney for their situation and avoid confusion when pursuing justice.
At Pisanchyn Law Firm, our attorneys focus specifically on civil rights law representing individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by government officials, law enforcement, or institutions.
This article explains the key differences between civil law and civil rights law, provides real-world examples of both, and helps clarify the types of cases handled by civil rights lawyers in Pennsylvania
What Is Civil Law?
Civil law refers broadly to legal disputes between private parties where one party seeks compensation or another form of legal remedy. These disputes usually involve contracts, property, personal injury, or other non-criminal matters.
Unlike criminal law cases where the government prosecutes someone for violating the law—civil law cases typically involve one individual or business bringing a lawsuit against another.
Civil law cases usually focus on financial compensation or enforcing legal agreements rather than protecting constitutional rights.
Common Examples of Civil Law Cases
Civil law covers a wide variety of legal disputes. Some of the most common examples include:
Contract Disputes
When two parties enter into a legally binding agreement and one side fails to uphold their obligations, the other party may pursue a civil lawsuit.
Examples include:
- Breach of business contracts
- Failure to perform services promised in an agreement
- Disputes between contractors and homeowners
- Vendor agreements not being fulfilled
These cases typically seek financial damages or enforcement of the original contract.
Property Disputes
Property conflicts frequently fall under civil law and may involve:
- Boundary disputes between neighbors
- Property damage claims
- Real estate transaction disagreements
- Landlord and tenant disputes
For example, a landlord may pursue eviction proceedings against a tenant who violates a lease agreement
Business Litigation
Civil courts frequently handle business disputes such as:
- Partnership conflicts
- Corporate governance disputes
- Intellectual property issues
- Fraud or misrepresentation claims
These cases generally involve private entities rather than constitutional violations.
What Is Civil Rights Law?
Civil rights law focuses on protecting the constitutional rights of individuals when those rights are violated by government actors or institutions.
These cases often involve violations of rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution or federal civil rights statutes.
Unlike general civil disputes, civil rights cases usually arise when a government official or agency abuses authority or fails to respect a person’s constitutional protections.
Civil rights law ensures that individuals are protected from government misconduct and discrimination.
Examples of Civil Rights Violations
Civil rights cases typically involve violations of constitutional protections such as the Fourth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, and other federal statutes.
Below are several common examples.
Police Excessive Force
One of the most well-known civil rights violations involves law enforcement officers using excessive force during arrests or encounters.
Examples may include:
- Unnecessary physical force during an arrest
- Use of weapons when there is no immediate threat
- Assault by officers while someone is restrained
- Violent treatment of suspects in custody
Victims may pursue legal claims with the help of civil rights attorneys to hold law enforcement accountable.
False Arrest or Unlawful Detention
Another common civil rights violation occurs when a person is arrested or detained without proper legal justification.
Examples include:
- Arrests without probable cause
- Detaining individuals without charges
- Fabricating evidence to justify an arrest
False arrest claims are often pursued with the help of civil rights lawyers who understand the constitutional protections involved.
Prisoner Abuse or Jail Misconduct
Civil rights cases also arise when inmates or detainees experience mistreatment while in custody.
Examples may include:
- Physical abuse by correctional officers
- Denial of medical care in jail
- Inhumane jail conditions
- Failure to protect inmates from violence
In these situations, civil rights law provides a legal pathway to challenge unconstitutional treatment.
Discrimination by Government Institutions
Civil rights violations can also involve discriminatory practices by government entities.
Examples include:
- Racial discrimination by law enforcement
- Denial of services based on disability
- Violations of equal protection rights
- Government retaliation for exercising free speech
These cases often rely on federal civil rights statutes and constitutional protections.
Key Differences Between Civil Law and Civil Rights Law
While both areas involve lawsuits in civil courts, the underlying issues are very different.
| Civil Law | Civil Rights Law |
|---|---|
| Disputes between private individuals or businesses | Violations of constitutional rights |
| Often involves contracts or financial disputes | Often involves government misconduct |
| Focuses primarily on compensation | Focuses on protecting constitutional rights |
| Examples include contracts, property disputes, and injury claims | Examples include police misconduct, wrongful arrest, and discrimination |
In short, civil rights law addresses violations of fundamental freedoms and constitutional protections, while civil law typically addresses private disputes.
Why the Distinction Matters When Hiring a Lawyer
Someone searching for a “civil lawyer” might actually need a lawyer who specializes in civil rights litigation.
Civil rights cases often involve complex constitutional issues, federal statutes, and government liability laws that require specialized experience.
Attorneys who focus on civil rights litigation understand how to investigate misconduct, gather evidence, and pursue claims against government entities or law enforcement agencies.
The Focus of Pisanchyn Law Firm
At Pisanchyn Law Firm, our legal team focuses specifically on civil rights law.
This means we represent individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated, particularly in cases involving:
- Police misconduct and excessive force
- False arrest and unlawful detention
- Prisoner abuse or jail neglect
- Government violations of constitutional rights
While many law firms handle general civil law matters such as contract disputes or property issues, Pisanchyn Law Firm concentrates on protecting individuals whose civil liberties have been violated.
If you believe your constitutional rights were violated by law enforcement or another government authority, speaking with an experienced civil rights lawyer may be an important step toward protecting your rights.
Contact Experienced Civil Rights Lawyers in Pennsylvania
Civil rights violations can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. When government authorities abuse power or violate constitutional protections, individuals have the right to seek accountability through the legal system.
The attorneys at Pisanchyn Law Firm are committed to protecting the civil rights of individuals throughout Pennsylvania.
If you believe your rights were violated, contact our office today to speak with an experienced civil rights attorney about your case.
FAQ
What is the difference between civil law and civil rights law?
Civil law generally involves disputes between private individuals or businesses, while civil rights law focuses on protecting constitutional rights when they are violated by government officials or institutions.
What does a civil rights lawyer do?
A civil rights lawyer represents individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated, often in cases involving police misconduct, unlawful arrest, discrimination, or abuse by government authorities.
Can a civil rights lawyer help with police misconduct?
Yes. Civil rights attorneys frequently represent individuals who were victims of excessive force, unlawful detention, or other forms of police misconduct.
Does Pisanchyn Law Firm handle civil law cases?
Pisanchyn Law Firm focuses specifically on civil rights law and cases involving violations of constitutional rights rather than general civil disputes such as contract or property matters.
