Corrections Officer State Certification (SOCE) Practice Exam

What constitutes a civil rights violation?

1. A lawful intervention in private matters

2. A lawful exercise of authority by the police

3. An unlawful interference with the fundamental rights of another person

4. A permissible restriction of freedoms for safety

The correct answer is: An unlawful interference with the fundamental rights of another person

A civil rights violation occurs when an individual's fundamental rights are unlawfully interfered with. This encompasses actions that deny a person their rights as guaranteed by law, including rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and due process. When a person's ability to exercise these rights is obstructed without legal justification, it constitutes a violation of their civil rights. The correct choice highlights the importance of legality and justification in actions affecting individual rights. In contrast, other options describe lawful actions or permissible restrictions that do not infringe upon established civil liberties. A lawful intervention or exercise of authority implies adherence to legal standards, while permissible restrictions on freedoms for public safety are established within the framework of law and societal norms, ensuring that individual rights are respected and upheld.