Civil Rights
Can a Private Business Refuse Service Based on Religious or Political Beliefs?
Walking into an establishment open to the public carries the fundamental expectation of equal treatment. Across Maryland, patrons still find themselves turned away at the door over personal convictions, religious affiliations, or political stances. Knowing whether a business crossed an unlawful line comes down to distinct public accommodation statutes. As a premier civil rights law…
Read MorePretextual Traffic Stops: The Legal Boundaries of Officer Authority During Routine Traffic Enforcements
Imagine driving down a Baltimore street when flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror. The officer claims you failed to signal early enough, but the true motive is to look for something completely unrelated. This is a pretextual traffic stop—a legal yet highly controversial tactic where police use a minor traffic infraction as an excuse…
Read MoreBeyond the Prison Gates: Addressing Cruel and Unusual Punishment in Maryland Correctional Facilities
The Eighth Amendment protects every person from cruel and unusual punishment, but for far too many individuals inside Maryland correctional facilities, those words feel like an empty promise. When the steel doors close, accountability shouldn’t vanish. Yet, systemic failures continue to plague our state’s prison systems, putting human lives, dignity, and basic constitutional rights at…
Read MoreThe Right to Record: A Citizen’s Guide to Filming Police Encounters in Baltimore
In the age of smartphones, your mobile device is more than just a communication tool—it is a powerful instrument for accountability. In Baltimore, a city with a complex history regarding law enforcement transparency, knowing your right to record is essential. If you witness or are involved in a police interaction, your footage could be the…
Read MoreProving Racial Bias in Maryland Civil Rights Cases
For over 70 years, the Murphy name has been synonymous with the fight for civil rights in Baltimore. We understand that racial bias in the 21st century is rarely overt; it is often woven into “neutral” policies and systemic behaviors. Proving that an action was motivated by race is one of the most challenging tasks…
Read MoreThe Battle for Accountability: Suing Government Entities for Constitutional Violations
The power of the government should never be absolute. When officials abuse their authority, violating the fundamental constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve, the path to justice is often incredibly steep. At Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, we understand the immense emotional and legal weight this battle carries. Holding state or local…
Read MoreDenied Service? Your Rights Under Maryland’s Public Accommodations Law
Walking into a store, restaurant, or hotel, you expect to be treated with basic respect. But what happens when you are refused service, given inferior treatment, or asked to leave for reasons that feel unjust? While it might seem like a simple case of bad customer service, it could be one of the most common…
Read MorePower in Numbers: How Does a Class Action Lawsuit Work?
Have you ever wondered what happens when a defective product, an unfair banking practice, or an environmental toxin harms hundreds or even thousands of people in the same way? Individually, fighting a multi-billion-dollar corporation can feel like an impossible battle. This is where the power of collective action comes into play through a legal tool…
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Civil Rights During an Arrest
Being arrested can be a daunting experience, but knowing how to protect your civil rights during this time is essential. At Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, a personal injury law firm in Baltimore, we emphasize the importance of understanding your rights to ensure they are upheld. Here are five key points to help you safeguard your…
Read MoreHow to Document Evidence of Police Misconduct
Public awareness of police misconduct has increased significantly, prompting a growing demand for accountability and transparency. Whether you witness an incident or are directly involved, knowing how to document evidence of police misconduct is crucial for ensuring justice and supporting any legal actions that might follow. Here’s a guide on effectively gathering and preserving evidence…
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