By: Joel Stephen Mattson
Understand the laws that protect your rights — and how to leverage them like a sledgehammer.
Most people think they have rights — until the government decides they don’t. That’s where Civil Rights Legislation comes in. These are not just dusty old statutes buried in law books — they are weapons you can use to hold the system accountable, expose abuse, and get justice on your terms.
What Are Civil Rights Laws?
Civil rights legislation refers to a body of federal and state laws designed to protect individuals from discrimination, government abuse, unlawful arrest, excessive force, retaliation, and more. These laws reinforce your constitutional rights and provide you with legal ammunition when government actors step out of line.
The core statutes include:
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 – Sue state actors who violate your constitutional rights under color of law.
- 42 U.S.C. § 1985 – Conspiracy to interfere with civil rights. Useful when multiple actors coordinate against you.
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) – Prohibits discrimination by government agencies receiving federal funding.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Protects against discriminatory treatment of individuals with disabilities.
- Fourth Amendment – Protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
- First Amendment – Protects your right to speak, record, petition, and protest — especially against the government.
These are not theoretical protections. You can use these statutes in court — just like I did — to shut down rogue officers, expose fraudulent prosecutions, and turn the legal system back on those who abuse it.
Why Civil Rights Laws Matter
When law enforcement fabricates charges, seizes your property, or retaliates because you tried to file a complaint — that’s a civil rights violation. When a court proceeds without jurisdiction, without consent, or based on fraud — that’s a violation of your right to due process.
Civil rights laws give you the power to file federal lawsuits, demand damages, and trigger accountability.
If you’re Pro Se, this isn’t just good to know — it’s life-saving strategy. These laws open the door to federal courts, bypass local corruption, and force higher scrutiny on your case.
How We Help You Leverage Civil Rights Law
At Mattson Constitutional Law, we break the law down into practical tools you can use:
- Civil Rights Lawsuit Templates – Drafted, tested, and formatted for federal court
- Step-by-Step Filing Guides – So you don’t miss a single legal move
- Case Law Library – Supporting authority for §1983, §1985, and more
- Affidavit Strategies – Turn your testimony into unbreakable evidence
- Motion Templates – For summary judgment, suppression, immunity rebuttals, and more
- Strategic Analysis – Understand what statutes apply to your specific case
This isn’t theory. This is real-world lawfare, and you’re holding the keys.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Most attorneys won’t touch your case if it threatens government power. They’ll say you don’t have a case, or they’ll settle for pennies just to stay in the club. Not here.
We don’t ask permission from a broken system to enforce your rights. We teach you how to go around the gatekeepers — using federal law, constitutional supremacy, and procedural precision to beat them at their own game.
When the system tries to steamroll you, we help you flip the steamroller.
Key Civil Rights Cases You Should Know
We break down the precedent and show you how it applies:
- Monroe v. Pape, 365 U.S. 167 (1961) – Opened the door to §1983 claims even when state remedies exist
- Hope v. Pelzer, 536 U.S. 730 (2002) – Qualified immunity fails when officers should’ve known better
- West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42 (1988) – Contracted actors under state authority can be sued under §1983
- Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144 (1970) – Clarified conspiracy under §1985
- Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985) – Deadly force is not justified unless there is a clear threat
These aren’t just citations. They’re ammunition.
How Joel Stephen Mattson Fought His Personal Case of Police Misconduct
I didn’t just read the law — I lived it. After being falsely arrested, having my vehicle seized, and my rights trampled by law enforcement, and being represented by “one of those attorneys”, I spent over a year studying constitutional law, filing affidavits, and building my own federal lawsuit from scratch.
I invoked §1983 and §1985, used the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree doctrine, dismantled their defense with a summary judgment motion, and exposed how jurisdiction was fraudulently claimed in violation of Article III, Section 2.
They dropped the case.
Then I went after them.
What Others Have Done to Win Their Case
- James Fairbanks (Missouri) – Filed a §1983 suit after unlawful detainment, awarded $92,000
- Lisa Montoya (New Mexico) – Beat qualified immunity by showing retaliation for First Amendment activity
- Aaron Patterson (Illinois) – Sued after police fabricated evidence, case thrown out, civil win followed
- Mark Stinson (Texas) – Won on appeal by showing §1985 conspiracy between officers and DA to suppress exculpatory video
If they can do it, so can you — with the right tools and the right mindset.
Ready to fight back using civil rights law?
Explore the Legal Document Vault or check out our Pro Se Power Series to get started.
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