To succeed in a Bane lawsuit under California law, you have to prove either that: The defendant made threats of violence against you or your property that made you reasonably believe that they would be carried out if you exercised your civil right, or The defendant acted violently against you or your property to prevent you from exercising your rights or to retaliate against you for doing so. In addition to one of these options, you also have to show that: You were harmed, and The defendant's conduct was a substantial factor in causing your harm.