Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73not60
§2000h–2 Intervention by Attorney General; Denial of Equal Protection on Account of Race, Color, Religion, Sex or National Origin
Title 42 › Chapter 21— CIVIL RIGHTS › Subchapter IX— MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 2000h–2
Summary
When someone brings a federal lawsuit saying they were denied equal protection under the 14th Amendment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, the Attorney General can join the case for the United States if they apply in time and say the case is of general public importance. If the United States joins, it can get the same legal relief as if it had filed the lawsuit itself.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §2000h–2
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whenever an action has been commenced in any court of the United States seeking relief from the denial of equal protection of the laws under the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution on account of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, the Attorney General for or in the name of the United States may intervene in such action upon timely application if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. In such action the United States shall be entitled to the same relief as if it had instituted the action.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1972—Pub. L. 92–318 inserted “sex” after “religion,”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 2000h–2
Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60