Unit 4 Civil Liberties and Public Policy

Civil liberties

What the government cannot do or takeaway: natural rights

14th amendment

Due process clause: stops state governments from taking away any person's life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures

Equal protection clause: no state can deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws

Selective incorporation

The process of applying some (but not all) federal rights to the states through SC decisions

The establishment clause

Government cannot favor one religion over another

Neutrality

The free exercise clause

Free exercise of religion within reason

First amendment

freedom of expression, press, assemble, speech, religion

Fourth amendment + The exclusionary rule

Search and seizure based on probable cause

The exclusionary rule: evidence improperly obtained inadmissible in the courts

Fifth amendment

Due process: procedure in place in order to deprive someone of life liberty and property

Sixth amendment

Right to counsel

Seventh amendment

Right to civil trial by jury

Eighth amendment

Cruel and unusual punishment

Ninth amendment

Rights of the people

Tenth amendment

Rights of the states

USA Patriot act

Uniting and strengthening America by providing appropriate tools required to intercept and obstruct terrorism