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U.S. Code/Title 42/§ 1981

Title 42

42

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42 U.S.C. § 1981.Chapter 21

§ 1981

Equal rights under the law

Title 42
1 min read
Subchapter: GENERALLY

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Back to Chapter 21Next: § 1981a

((a)) ** Statement of equal rights** All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every State and Territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject to like punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind, and to no other.

((b)) ** “Make and enforce contracts” defined** For purposes of this section, the term “make and enforce contracts” includes the making, performance, modification, and termination of contracts, and the enjoyment of all benefits, privileges, terms, and conditions of the contractual relationship.

((c)) ** Protection against impairment** The rights protected by this section are protected against impairment by nongovernmental discrimination and impairment under color of State law.

Related Legislation

(5 bills)

Bills that would modify or reference this section of law.

HR-1638

CROWN Act of 2025

Bonnie Watson Coleman

New Jersey representative

  1. house
  2. senate
  3. president
2/26/2025
HR-4087

Define to Defeat Act of 2025

Barry Moore

Alabama representative

  1. house
  2. senate
  3. president
6/23/2025
HR-7583

BE HEARD in the Workplace Act

Ayanna Pressley

Massachusetts representative

  1. house
  2. senate
  3. president
2/13/2026
S-3865

BE HEARD in the Workplace Act

Patty Murray

Washington senator

  1. senate
  2. house
  3. president
2/12/2026
S-751

CROWN Act of 2025

Cory Anthony Booker

New Jersey senator

  1. senate
  2. house
  3. president
2/26/2025

Release: pl-119-111 (2026-09-18)

§ 1981a

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