Sharecroppers had rights, too. But when one party can cut off the other party's livelihood, it essentially suppresses the technical "rights" of the second party

Sharecroppers had rights, too. But when one party can cut off the other party's livelihood, it essentially suppresses the technical "rights" of the second party. Every American has a "right" to a fair trial. But it is well-documented that if you can't afford a decent lawyer, "fair" becomes an unfortunately flexible concept.