• The 1991 Civil Rights Act gives non-white citizens the same full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings as is enjoyed by white citizens. Such as, the right to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, and give evidence. (42 USC§1981)
   
• Since the law treats employment as a contract between the worker and the employer, the 1991 Civil Rights Act makes it illegal for employers to discriminate because of race, ethnic background or alienage. (42 USC§1981)
   
• Unlike the other federal laws described here, which usually apply to employers with 15 or more employees, the 1991 Civil Rights Act applies to all employers. (42 USC§1981)

Source: The laws that are listed in the table above. Compiled and annotated by the Maryland Legal Assistance Network.  Updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).

Last date of legal review 4/28/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)