What Did the Civil Rights Act of 1957 Do?
The Civil Rights Act of 1957, also known as the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Act, was a milestone legislation passed by the U.S. Congress on June 29, 1957. The act primarily focused on protecting the civil rights of African Americans by establishing the Civil Rights Division within the U.S. Department of Justice. But what did this landmark law actually do?
Provisions of the Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1957 consisted of three main provisions:
Contents
Provision One: Establishment of the Civil Rights Division
The act created a new division within the Justice Department, known as the Civil Rights Division, tasked with enforcing federal laws pertaining to civil rights. This division was responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases related to voting rights, education, employment, and other essential aspects of life. The division was headed by a Director, who would report directly to the Attorney General.
Provision Two: Election Protection
The second provision of the act focused on protecting voters’ rights, particularly African Americans, who faced significant barriers to registering and casting ballots. The law gave the U.S. Attorney General authority to investigate and prosecute anyone who attempted to intimidate, threaten, or coerce voting rights. Additionally, the act provided for contempt of court proceedings against persons who interfered with individuals’ right to vote**.
Provision Three: Civil Damages
The third provision allowed plaintiffs to seek civil damages in cases where defendants had violated federal civil rights laws. This provision was significant because it marked a shift away from punishing individuals solely through criminal punishments and towards seeking financial recompense for victims.
Significance and Impact
The Civil Rights Act of 1957 was a significant step towards advancing civil rights in the United States. While not as comprehensive as later legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the 1957 act laid the groundwork for more substantial reforms to come. Here are some ways in which the act’s provisions had an impact:
- Established federal oversight: The Civil Rights Division’s creation marked an important shift in federal prioritization of civil rights, demonstrating a commitment to proactive enforcement and oversight.
- Protected voting rights: The act’s provisions empowered the Justice Department to more effectively protect voters’ rights, particularly for African Americans, who faced significant voter suppression.
- Precedent for future litigation: The 1957 act’s focus on seeking civil damages in cases where federal civil rights laws were violated created a template for future legal challenges to discriminatory practices.
- Set stage for expanded legislation: The Civil Rights Act of 1957 paved the way for more comprehensive legislation in the years that followed, ultimately leading to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Comparison with Later Legislation
To better understand the significance of the 1957 act, compare its provisions with those of later legislation:
| Provision | 1957 Act | Civil Rights Act of 1964 | Voting Rights Act of 1965 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Limited focus on NAACP’s educational programs | Comprehensive education reform | |
| Employment | Employment discrimination prohibited, but specifics unclear | Thorough reforms, including anti-discrimination provisions | |
| Voting Rights | Election protection, but no federal electoral oversight | Strong federal enforcement, including voting rights inspection | Federal oversight, anti-discrimination measures |
In conclusion, the Civil Rights Act of 1957 was a critical step forward in the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the United States. While not addressing all the concerns of African Americans, the act created a foundation for future activism and legislation, ultimately influencing the passage of more significant reforms.
