Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) (1967)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The ADEA was enacted to protect workers aged 40 and older from employment discrimination, addressing widespread workplace bias against older employees.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin—but not age. The ADEA filled this gap in employment protections.