EEOC law is actually made up of a group of acts and amendments which comprise a series of laws designed to help eliminate discrimination. In full, the EEOC handles discrimination charges concerning race, sex, sexual harassment, nation or origin and age. The first law to be enacted concerning discrimination was in 1964. Discrimination against race and oddly enough, equal pay for equal work was also one of the first EEOC laws enacted. From the 60's through the 90's, revisions and amendments were made in order to strengthen the letter of the law. However, the turn of the century brought some surprising rulings by the Supreme Court which actually protect those who would discriminate against a worker. This came at a time when discrimination cases were on the rise. EEOC law can be extremely difficult to sort through and it can also be a long process. It is for this reason that many hire an attorney as soon as they file a claim with the EEOC. Hiring an attorney is not necessary though unless after the investigation the EEOC recommends an attorney for a lawsuit. EEOC law was clearly meant to protect the employee against unfair treatment by an employee or company.