Chandra Law Logo

Practice Areas • Practices • California's Bane Act: Protecting Your Civil Rights from Threats and Coercion

What is the Bane Act?

The Bane Act can be found in California Civil Code Section 52.1 and is officially called the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act. It was enacted in 1987 to address hate crimes and civil-rights violations. The Bane Act allows individuals to file a civil lawsuit against anyone who interferes, or attempts to interfere, with their constitutional or statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion.


How Does the Bane Act Protect You?

The Bane Act provides protection against:

  • Threats: Actions that express an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action.

  • Intimidation: Conduct that makes someone feel timid or fearful.

  • Coercion: The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

These protections apply when such actions interfere with your rights, like freedom of speech, the right to vote, or protection against unlawful searches and seizures.


Who Can Be Held Liable?

Under the Bane Act, any individual or entity, including law-enforcement officers, can be held liable if they interfere with your rights through the prohibited means. The Act doesn’t require that the interference be successful; even an attempt can be sufficient for liability.


What Remedies Are Available?

If your rights have been violated under the Bane Act, you may be entitled to:

  • Compensatory damages: To cover actual losses suffered, both economic and non-economic (like emotional distress).

  • Punitive damages: To punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

  • Civil penalties: Up to $25,000 for each violation.

  • Attorney fees: To cover the cost of legal representation.

  • Injunctive relief: Court orders to prohibit further violations.

How We Can Help

At The Chandra Law Firm LLC, as you will see from reviewing our website and blog, we have extensive experience in civil-rights litigation and are devoted to holding violators accountable. Led by former federal prosecutor and city law director Subodh Chandra, we have the experience to fight for you. If you believe your rights have been threatened or violated, we can assess your situation and guide you through the legal process to seek justice.


Contact Us

If you have experienced threats, intimidation, or coercion that interfered with your rights, please contact The Chandra Law Firm LLC today.

At Chandra Law, your case is our cause.®


Note: This practice page is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult with an attorney.

Making the right choice in legal representation can make the difference in whether you achieve a result that protects your legal rights and best interests.

Tell Us About Your Case