Who enforces State and Federal laws when Civil Rights, when State Employees are the VIOLATORS?

This is happening in Texas! I used to be a proud Texan...

The people whose rights are violated can enforce their rights with a 42 USC Section 1983 lawsuit (for violation of civil rights "under color of law). Also, the US Department of Justice has a Civil Rights Division that investigates civil rights violations.

Dana (attorney)

Most States have a court for cases against various State agencies and employees. If the action taken was a violation of State law, you go to State court. If it was a violation of federal law, you go to federal court, eventually. There are appropriate agencies you may file complaints with on each level, depending on just what type of right you feel was violated.

If you were treated differently because of your race, color, sex, national origin, disability or age (over 40), you should file with the US EEOC. That's the first step to filing a civil rights case in federal court. You cannot enter federal court on a Title VII, ADA, or ADEA claim without getting a notice of right to sue from the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate and if there is reasonable cause that a violation occurred, they will attempt conciliation. If conciliation is unsuccessful they will refer the case to the US Department of Justice for possible litigation. In any case, even if the DOJ doesn't pick up the case, you will receive your right to sue and be able to pursue the case in federal court.

U.S. Attorney General