Final answer:
A violation of civil rights laws is the most likely to be deemed a direct-effect illegal act due to the immediate and profound impact such actions have on individuals' livelihoods and societal equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question, "Which of the following would most likely be deemed a direct-effect illegal act?" inquires about the nature of certain violations in relation to their immediate and direct impact on individuals or society.
After considering the options, a violation of civil rights laws would most likely be deemed a direct-effect illegal act. This is because the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has strong provisions against discrimination in employment and other areas, and it is enforced by agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Discrimination acts can directly affect individuals by depriving them of employment opportunities and can have broader impacts on societal equality.