Definition
Civil liberties include speech, religion, privacy, due process, and protections in criminal procedure.
Political Dictionary
Civil Liberties
Civil liberties are freedoms protected from government interference.
Why It Matters
They preserve individual autonomy and limit government power.
How It Works
Courts review whether government action burdens protected freedom and whether justification is sufficient.
History
Many civil liberties are rooted in the Bill of Rights and later applied to states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
Example
A protester may challenge a law restricting political speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Civil liberties are unlimited.
- They apply only to federal government.
- They guarantee freedom from private consequences.
Related Terms
Related Topics
See Also