Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic framework that examines the relationship between race, law, and power. It originated in the United States during the late 1970s and 1980s as a response to perceived limitations in traditional civil rights approaches. CRT posits that racism is not just an individual bias but a systemic issue embedded in legal and social structures. CRT also explores how laws and policies can perpetuate racial inequalities, even if they appear neutral. It encourages critical examination of how race intersects with other social categories, such as gender and class, to understand the complexities of discrimination and privilege in society.