What is 1960 civil rights act?

The Civil Rights Act of 1960 was a United States federal law that aimed to address voting rights issues and strengthen existing civil rights laws. It followed the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and built upon its foundation. Key provisions of the 1960 Act included:

• Federal Inspection of Voter Registration Records: The act authorized federal courts to appoint referees to oversee voter registration and voting procedures in areas where there was evidence of discrimination. These referees could help African Americans register to vote if local officials refused to do so.
• Penalties for Obstructing Court Orders: The Act criminalized obstructing or interfering with any order issued by a federal court. This was intended to strengthen the enforcement of court orders relating to desegregation and other civil rights matters.
• Preservation of Voting Records: The Act required local election officials to retain all voting records for 22 months, making it easier to investigate allegations of voter discrimination.
• Strengthening Penalties for Obstructing Voting: It increased penalties for individuals who interfered with the right to vote, including those who intimidated or threatened potential voters.
• Appointment of Voting Referees: When there was a pattern or practice of discrimination established, federal courts could appoint federal voting referees to ensure fair access to voter registration and voting.

While the 1960 Act was a step forward, it was limited in its effectiveness. It was often slow and cumbersome to implement, and it did not address all forms of discrimination. However, it was a significant part of the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the United States. It helped lay the groundwork for the more comprehensive Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The main purpose of this act was mainly about voting rights.