Is it legal to discriminate against convicted felons?

Answer by  patti (29325)

Convicted felons lose some rights. "Discrimination" encompasses a lot of stuff, so your question needs to be more specific. Ex-cons are often denied housing, employment and other privileges for a variety of reasons.

Answer by  zombieguy (986)

While the laws regarding this situation vary slightly from state to state, generally speaking, convicted felons are not a protected class. While a potential employer cannot ask about your specific arrest record, they can ask if you have any felony convictions and are allowed to deny you employment based upon your response.

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

It depends what you mean by discriminate. Places of employment have the reserved right NOT to hire someone who has been convicted of a Felony. This is to protect them, their employees and their place of business. Some businesses state they don't hire felons in their applications.

Answer by  LegalGuy (71)

It is. That is why when you fill out a employment application there is always that little "have you ever been a convicted felon" box. Would you want a sex offender working for you?

Answer by  patti (29325)

Felons are denied some rights. Employers can choose not to hire felons. Felons cannot purchase or possess firearms. More information is needed to address your question.

Answer by  OedipusLex (13)

The short answer is 'Yes.' But what complicates this is that, in many states, it is not legal for an employer to ask you about your arrest record. Good luck.