In the context of legal terms, what does the term "civil rights" refer to?

The term "civil rights" refers specifically to the rights that protect individuals from abuses by the government and ensure that individuals are treated equally under the law. This encompasses a range of rights typically associated with personal freedoms, non-discrimination, and the right to participate in civil and political activities without oppression or unfair treatment. Civil rights are designed to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics, have the same legal protections and opportunities.

While the other options mention important concepts, they do not align with the specific definition of civil rights. Rights granted to corporations, for instance, pertain more to business law and do not protect individual freedoms directly. Rights related to financial transactions focus on economic aspects and are not concerned with the broader social and legal protections of individuals. Finally, rights to create binding legal contracts relate to the field of contract law and do not address the overarching theme of individual protections from government power, which is central to the definition of civil rights.