Civil Rights Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for civil rights cases in federal court can vary depending on the specific federal law that is being invoked. Below are some examples of the statute of limitations for some common types of civil rights cases:

  1. 42 U.S.C. § 1983: This federal law, commonly known as Section 1983, provides a cause of action for the violation of constitutional rights by state actors. The statute of limitations for § 1983 claims is typically two years from the date of the violation.

  2. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The statute of limitations for Title VII claims is typically 180 or 300 days from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before pursuing a lawsuit in federal court.

  3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. The statute of limitations for ADA claims is typically 180 days to file a charge with the EEOC before pursuing a lawsuit in federal court.

  4. Fair Housing Act (FHA) : This federal law prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. The statute of limitations for FHA claims is typically one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a charge with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before pursuing a lawsuit in federal court.

It's important to note that some states may have different statute of limitations for these types of cases, and that some other specific circumstances may affect the statute of limitations. It's always best to consult with an attorney to determine the specific statute of limitations for a particular case.