The Impact of Recent Supreme Court Decisions on Civil Rights Protections

Introduction

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has historically played a crucial role in shaping civil rights in America. From landmark decisions like Brown v. Board of Education to Miranda v. Arizona, the highest court in the land has had a lasting impact on the lives of millions. However, in recent years, an increasingly conservative bench has issued rulings that have drastically altered civil rights protections, often limiting the legal avenues available for victims of discrimination, police misconduct, and other civil rights violations.

At Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy (BNCL), we are dedicated to holding powerful institutions accountable and ensuring that civil rights remain protected. In this blog, we explore recent Supreme Court decisions and how they affect everyday Americans, particularly those in marginalized communities.

The Court’s Shift on Civil Rights Cases

Since the appointments of Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, SCOTUS has ruled on several key civil rights cases with far-reaching implications. These rulings have had a profound impact on police accountability, employment discrimination, and other legal protections.

1. Police Misconduct and Qualified Immunity

One of the most troubling trends in recent SCOTUS rulings has been the expansion of qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that shields law enforcement officers from liability in civil rights lawsuits. The Court has consistently declined to hear cases that challenge the broad application of this doctrine, reinforcing legal barriers for victims of police brutality.

For instance, in Rivas-Villegas v. Cortesluna (2021), SCOTUS ruled that a police officer who placed his knee on a suspect’s back did not violate “clearly established” constitutional rights, further insulating law enforcement from civil liability. This decision makes it harder for victims of police brutality, such as those represented by BNCL, to seek justice.

2. Voting Rights and Electoral Representation

In Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021), SCOTUS weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by upholding Arizona’s restrictive voting laws, which disproportionately affect Black, Latino, and Indigenous voters. This decision emboldens states to implement laws that can suppress voter turnout and weaken the political influence of marginalized communities.

Voting rights are a fundamental aspect of civil rights protections, and BNCL strongly advocates for policies that prevent disenfranchisement. With elections approaching, it is imperative to remain informed about voter suppression tactics and legal challenges.

3. Affirmative Action and Employment Discrimination

Another major ruling with broad implications was Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023), where the Court struck down affirmative action policies in college admissions. While this decision directly affects higher education, it also has broader implications for employment discrimination cases. By challenging race-conscious policies, the ruling could lead to similar challenges in hiring and workplace diversity initiatives, making it harder for victims of racial discrimination to prove bias.

At BNCL, we handle numerous employment discrimination cases and understand how such rulings create legal challenges for workers facing racial, gender, or disability-based discrimination. As DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs come under attack, we remain committed to fighting for employees’ rights.

4. LGBTQ+ Rights and Public Accommodations

In 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023), SCOTUS ruled that a web designer could refuse services to same-sex couples based on free speech claims, setting a dangerous precedent for LGBTQ+ rights. This decision effectively rolls back anti-discrimination protections in public accommodations, allowing businesses to deny services based on religious or ideological beliefs.

This ruling is particularly concerning as it opens the door to widespread discrimination, not just against LGBTQ+ individuals, but also against other marginalized groups. BNCL remains steadfast in advocating for the rights of all individuals to be treated equally under the law.

What This Means for Everyday Americans

The recent SCOTUS decisions have collectively restricted civil rights protections, making it more challenging for victims of discrimination and police misconduct to seek justice. While the courts should serve as a safeguard for civil liberties, these rulings demonstrate a clear shift away from the expansion of civil rights.

These rulings disproportionately harm communities of color, low-income individuals, LGBTQ+ citizens, and other marginalized groups. As legal protections erode, law firms like BNCL become even more essential in holding government institutions and employers accountable.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Rights

Despite these setbacks, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their rights:

Stay informed about new legislation and legal precedents that impact civil rights.

Know your rights when dealing with law enforcement and workplace discrimination.

Vote in local and national elections to support candidates and policies that uphold civil rights protections.

Seek legal counsel if you or someone you know has been affected by civil rights violations. BNCL is here to provide expert legal representation and fight for justice.

Conclusion

The recent SCOTUS decisions highlight the ongoing battle for civil rights in America. While the highest court may be limiting protections, the fight for justice continues at the grassroots level and in courtrooms across the country. BNCL remains dedicated to advocating for victims of police misconduct, employment discrimination, and other civil rights violations.

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact BNCL today for a consultation. Together, we can continue the fight for a fair and just society.