What does the term "civil rights" refer to?

The term "civil rights" specifically refers to the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law. This encompasses various protections against discrimination and ensures that individuals have the ability to exercise their rights without fear of unequal treatment based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or disability. The concept is foundational to a democratic society and aims to provide all individuals with fair access to opportunities and justice.

Civil rights are distinguished from civil liberties, which are protections against government actions. The focus is on securing equal rights in situations such as voting, education, and employment. Therefore, the emphasis on equality under the law makes this answer the most appropriate representation of the term "civil rights."