Civil Liberties

A set of vocabulary flashcards designed to help students learn key terms related to civil liberties.

Civil Liberties

Limits on government that allow individuals to freely exercise their rights.

Simon Tam

Leader of the band 'The Slants' who sued the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for denying their trademark.

Hate Speech

Hostile statements based on someone's personal characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or religion.

First Amendment

Part of the Constitution that guarantees the rights to free speech, religion, the press, assembly, and petition.

Free Speech

The right to express any opinion without censorship or restraint.

Establishment Clause

The First Amendment principle that government may not establish an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

The First Amendment principle that government may not interfere in religious practices.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states one right at a time.

Clear and Present Danger

A legal doctrine that permits restrictions on speech if it poses a clear threat of illegal action.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Miranda Rights

Legal rights of a detained individual, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal rule that prevents evidence obtained during illegal searches from being used in court.

Double Jeopardy

The principle that no person can be tried for the same crime twice.

Symbolic Speech

Actions that purposefully convey a particular message or statement to those viewing it.

Fighting Words

Words that by their very utterance inflict injury or incite an immediate breach of peace.

Clear and Present Danger Test

A rule used to determine whether speech is protected by the First Amendment.

Prior Restraint

An attempt by the government to prevent a publication from reaching the public.

Miller Test

A three-part test for determining whether speech or expression is obscene.

Roe v. Wade

A landmark Supreme Court case that established a woman's right to choose an abortion.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey

A Supreme Court case that reaffirmed the right to have an abortion while allowing states to impose some restrictions.

The Patriot Act

Legislation enacted after 9/11 that expanded the powers of law enforcement for the purpose of fighting terrorism.

Fourth Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Eighth Amendment

Part of the Constitution that prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

Grand Jury

A jury that does not decide guilt but determines whether there is enough evidence for a trial.

Incorporation Doctrine

Legal doctrine that applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Privacy Rights

Rights that protect an individual's privacy against governmental interference.

Obscenity

Material that violates community standards and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Judicial Standards

Guiding principles set by the courts that help govern legal decisions.

Accommodation

A principle that allows government to accommodate religion without favoring one religion over another.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, which primarily serves to interpret the Constitution.

Political Speech

Expression that relates to political matters and is protected under the First Amendment.

Gun Control Laws

Legislation regulating the sale, possession, and use of firearms.

Lemon Test

A test for determining whether a law establishes a religion, based on the Establishment Clause.

Civil Disobedience

Nonviolent protest against laws or government policies as a way of advocating for social change.

Tinker v. Des Moines

A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld students' rights to free speech in schools.

Employment Division v. Smith

A Supreme Court case that ruled that the government can restrict religious practices if not specifically targeting a religion.

Heller Case

A Supreme Court case that affirmed an individual's right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia.

Rights of the Accused

Legal protections afforded to individuals accused of crimes, ensuring fair treatment.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to prove one's assertion in a court of law.

Due Process Clause

The clause in the Constitution that guarantees legal rights to individuals.

Trial by Jury

The right of individuals to have a trial judged by a jury of their peers.

Congress

The legislative branch of the United States government, responsible for making laws.

Political Speech Protection

Legal protections for expressions that criticize the government or advocate for political movements.

Terrorism Law Enforcement

Policies and actions taken by government to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism.