Civil Liberties

Civil Liberties

Freedoms from government intrusion.

Due Process

Legal system protections that prevent or limit government action.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Civil Rights

Equal treatment in employment, education, housing, etc.

Masterpiece Cake Case

A case involving a baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex couple citing religious freedom.

Habeas Corpus

'You have the body'; protects against being held without cause.

14th Amendment

Applies the Bill of Rights to the states.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which certain protections in the Bill of Rights are applied to the states.

Freedom of Speech

Essential to democracy; limits include obscenity, defamation, and threats.

The Miller Test

A legal test for obscenity to determine if material is offensive or lacks redeeming value.

Right to Peaceful Assembly

The right to protest; government may regulate time, place, and manner.

Prior Restraint

The government's ability to prevent publication of information in the interest of national security.

Campaign Speech

Campaign financing equated to free speech in the Supreme Court rulings.

Establishment Clause

Prevents the government from establishing a national religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Limits government regulation of religious beliefs and practices.

Second Amendment

The right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Gun Control Act of 1968

Regulates the purchase of firearms including age and prohibited persons.

Right to Privacy

The right relating to reproductive rights including access to contraception and abortion.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Debate surrounding the death penalty and its implications.

Texas Heartbeat Bill

A Texas law allowing civil lawsuits against anyone assisting an abortion after 6 weeks.

Freedom of Religion

The right to practice any religion or no religion without government interference.

Right to Counsel

The right of a defendant to have the assistance of counsel for their defense.

Search and Seizure

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment.

Miranda Rights

Rights that must be read to a person upon their arrest, informing them of their rights to silence and counsel.

Civil Disobedience

The act of intentionally disobeying a law to demonstrate against its injustice.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at eliminating barriers to voting for African Americans.

Affirmative Action

Policies that seek to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Freedom of the Press

The right of media to publish news and opinions without government interference.

Due Process Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that guarantees fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

Exclusionary Rule

Legal rule that prohibits the use of evidence obtained in violation of