law
Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is a federal law guaranteeing all citizens the same right to inherit, buy, sell, lease, and hold real and personal property as is enjoyed by white citizens. It prohibits all racial discrimination in property transactions, with no exceptions. Its reach was confirmed by the Supreme Court in Jones v. Mayer (1968), and victims may sue directly in federal court.
- Exam tip
- The trap is applying Fair Housing Act exemptions here. The 1866 Act covers race only but has no exemptions, so even an owner selling without a broker cannot discriminate based on race.
- Example
- An owner selling a home on their own refuses to sell to a buyer because of the buyer's race. Even if a Fair Housing Act exemption might apply, the owner violates the Civil Rights Act of 1866.
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Last verified: 2026-10-23