Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Vocab

Civil liberties

individual rights protected by law from governmental interference, ensuring personal freedoms

Civil rights

rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and protection under the law, regardless of characteristics

Civil Rights Act 1964

prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various aspects of public life

Clear and present danger

legal standard used to determine when speech or actions can be limited or restricted under the 1st Amendment

Due process clause

14th amendment prohibiting gov from depriving individuals of “life, liberty or property without due process of law“ (ensures fair legal procedures)

Dissent

a statement written by one or more judges expressing disagreement with the majority opinion of the court.

Equal protection clause

14th amendment that mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws

Establishment clause

1st Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another

Exclusionary rule

legal principle that prevents evidence obtained through illegal means from being used in court

Free exercise clause

1st Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely without government interference

judicial review

power of courts to examine and invalidate actions of the legislative and executive branches if actions unconstitutional

Miranda Rights

legal rights that law enforcement must inform a suspect of before interrogation, (ensuring that individuals are aware of their right to remain silent and to have legal counsel)

National Organization for Women

1966 feminist advocacy group aimed at promoting women's rights and equality (reproductive rights, gender discrimination and workplace equality)

Patriot Act

legislative measure enacted post 9/11, aimed at enhancing national security and combating terrorism (expanding power of law enforcement agencies)

Selective incorporation

process by which the SCOTUS applies parts of Bill of Rights to the states using the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Symbolic speech

nonverbal communication that conveys messages or ideas, often used as a form of expression protected under the 1st Amendment

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972

prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance

“Separate but equal“

legal principle that upheld segregation in public facilities, declaring separate facilities for different races their separation did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment (Plessy v Ferguson)

Voting Rights Act 1965

federal legislation that aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting