Final answer:
The term 'battery under the color of law' refers to government officials abusing their authority to violate civil rights, which can result in civil lawsuits. Protection against such abuses is provided by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Proving discrimination involves showing unequal treatment based on protected characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
A battery 'under the color of law' refers to an action where someone, typically a government official or a law enforcement officer, uses their authority to engage in conduct that violates an individual's civil rights. The phrase 'under the color of law' represents actions taken by someone who is using their power as provided by local, state, or federal law to act in a way that abuses someone's civil rights.
The main answer to the concerns about civil rights violations is that they can indeed result in lawsuits. This is supported by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination and ensures equal treatment for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Act not only covers the rights regarding employment and public accommodations but also the legal recourse available for individuals whose rights have been infringed upon.
For example, the detailed answer for the plaintiff to proceed with a racial discrimination lawsuit would require proof of unequal treatment, such as being paid less than someone of another race while holding similar job positions with similar qualifications. In the context of law enforcement, critics of certain laws argue that they can lead to racial profiling, which also falls under the potential abuse of power 'under the color of law.'