Ch. 4 Civil Liberties

Civil Liberties

Political freedoms that protect citizens from government abuse, including the right to assemble, protest, worship freely, and keep certain matters private.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution ratified to protect individual liberties against federal government overreach.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which protections in the Bill of Rights are applied to the states on a case-by-case basis through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Establishment Clause

A clause in the First Amendment that prohibits Congress from making laws that favor or establish any religion.

Lemon Test

A test used to determine whether a government action violates the Establishment Clause, prohibiting excessive government entanglement with religion.

Free Exercise Clause

A clause in the First Amendment that prohibits Congress from interfering with religious practices.

Political Speech

Speech that deals with public issues and government actions, which is given strong protection under the First Amendment.

Direct Incitement Test

A standard established by the Supreme Court that protects speech unless it is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action.

Freedom of Assembly

The right to gather peacefully for demonstrations and protests, protected by the First Amendment.

Prior Restraint

Government action that prevents communication or expression before it occurs; typically restricted by the First Amendment.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal rule stating that evidence collected in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights cannot be used in court.

Miranda Rights

The rights of criminal suspects to be informed of their rights to an attorney and against self-incrimination before being interrogated.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

Fifth Amendment

Protects individuals from self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and guarantees due process.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair trial, legal counsel, and the opportunity to confront witnesses.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, which includes capital punishment under certain interpretations.

Privacy Rights

Rights that protect an individual's personal information and decisions, not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but recognized in Court rulings.

Roe v. Wade

A landmark decision that legalized abortion in 1973, based on the right to privacy.

Griswold v. Connecticut

A 1965 case that established the right to privacy in marital relations.

Civil War Amendments

The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments which addressed civil rights and liberties following the Civil War.