Civil Rights Act of 1866

( 1866 ) Commentary by David Gray Adler, Alturas Institute

“That all persons born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States.” - Section 1
“Such citizens, of every race and color, without regard to any previous condition of slavery or involuntary servitude … shall have the same right, in every State and Territory in the United States … to full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of person and property, as is enjoyed by white citizens.” - Section 1
“That any person who, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, shall subject, or cause to be subjected, any inhabitant of any State or Territory to the deprivation of any right secured or protected by this act, or to different punishment, pains, or penalties … than is prescribed for the punishment of white persons, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.” - Section 2
“That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, or such person as he may empower for that purpose, to employ such part of the land or naval forces of the United States, or of the militia, as shall be necessary to prevent the violation and enforce the due execution of this act.” - Section 9

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 (Library of Congress)

View Full Size

Related Docs