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Code · U.S. Code · Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE · CHAPTER 21— CIVIL RIGHTS · SUBCHAPTER I— GENERALLY · § 1981

§ 1981. Equal rights under the law

1,078 words·~5 min read·/usc/title-42/section-1981

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)Statement of equal rights 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.
(b)“Make and enforce contracts” defined For purposes of this section, the term “make and enforce contracts” includes the making, performance, modification, and termination of contracts, and the enjoyment of all benefits, privileges, terms, and conditions of the contractual relationship.
(c)Protection against impairment The rights protected by this section are protected against impairment by nongovernmental discrimination and impairment under color of State law.
(R.S. § 1977; Pub. L. 102–166, title I, § 101, Nov. 21, 1991, 105 Stat. 1071.)
Connections288 cite this · traces to 5
Cited by 288 sections · top 60
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19 references not yet in our index
  • Pub. L. 102–166, title I, § 101
  • 105 Stat. 1071
  • act May 31, 1870, ch. 114, § 16
  • 16 Stat. 144
  • section 41 of Title 8
  • Pub. L. 102–166
  • Pub. L. 102–166, title IV, § 402
  • 105 Stat. 1099
  • Pub. L. 102–166, § 1
  • Pub. L. 94–559
  • Pub. L. 102–166, title IV, § 401
  • Pub. L. 102–166, § 2
  • Pub. L. 102–166, § 3
  • Pub. L. 102–166, title I, § 105(b)
  • 105 Stat. 1075
  • Pub. L. 102–166, title I, § 116
  • 105 Stat. 1079
  • Pub. L. 102–166, title I, § 118
  • 105 Stat. 1081
Citation graph
cites case law
§ 1981
Equal rights under the law
Fed. Reg.×189
Bills×66
Stat.×15
U.S.C.×11
Stat. Comp.×7
Pub. L.Pub. L. 102–166, title I, § 101
Stat.105 Stat. 1071
Actact May 31, 1870, ch. 114, § 16
Stat.16 Stat. 144
Citesection 41 of Title 8
Cites 24 · showing 10Cited by 288 across 5 sources
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