amendments vocab

Civil Liberties

Guarantees and freedoms that governments commit not to abridge, either by constitution, legislation, or judicial interpretation, without due process.

1st Amendment (Establishment Clause)

The government cannot establish an official religion or favor one religion over another.

1st Amendment (Free Exercise Clause)

Individuals can practice their religion freely, as long as it does not violate laws.

14th Amendment - Due Process Clause

Prevents states from depriving individuals of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures.

Prior Restraint

Government action that prevents speech or publication before it occurs, usually unconstitutional.

Obscenity

Material that violates community standards of decency and lacks serious value.

Libel

False, written statements that harm a person's reputation.

Slander

False, spoken statements that harm a person's reputation.

Symbolic Speech

Nonverbal actions that express a message, often protected under the First Amendment.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and guarantees due process.

6th Amendment

Ensures a fair and speedy trial with legal representation.

Probable Cause

A reasonable belief, based on facts, that a person has committed a crime.

Unreasonable Search and Seizure

Government searches or seizures without a warrant or probable cause, violating the 4th Amendment.

Exclusionary Rule

Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court.

Self-Incrimination

Being forced to testify against oneself, protected against by the 5th Amendment.

Plea Bargaining

An agreement where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

Right to Privacy

The implied right to keep personal matters private from government interference.

Selective Incorporation Doctrine

The process by which the Supreme Court applies parts of the Bill of Rights to state governments using the 14th Amendment to ensure consistent application of fundamental rights across the nation