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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Protected class
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A quick definition of Protected class:
A protected class is a group of people who are legally protected from being treated unfairly or punished because of who they are. This means that the government has made rules to make sure that people in these groups are treated fairly and not discriminated against. Some examples of protected classes include people of different races, genders, religions, ages, and disabilities.
A more thorough explanation:
A protected class is a group of people who are legally protected against discrimination or retaliation by Congress or a state legislature. This means that it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their membership in a protected class.
Examples of protected classes include:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Sex
- Age
- Disability
- Genetic information
For example, it is illegal for an employer to refuse to hire someone because of their race or religion. It is also illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to someone because of their national origin or disability.
These examples illustrate the definition of a protected class because they show how members of these groups are legally protected against discrimination. If someone is discriminated against because of their membership in a protected class, they can take legal action to protect their rights.