Civil Liberties

Bill of Rights

A list of fundamental rights and freedoms that individuals possess; the first ten amendments to the U.S constitution.

Due Process Clause

A clause in the 14th amendment that restricts state governments from denying life, liberty, or property without legal safeguards.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court applies fundamental rights in the Bill of Rights to the states on a case by case basis.

Supreme Court applies specific parts of the Bill of Rights to state governments

Establishment Clause

1st amendment protection against the government requiring citizens to join or support a religion.

Free Exercise Clause

1st amendment protection of individuals' rights to exercise and express their religious beliefs.

Freedom of Expression

A fundamental right affirmed in the 1st amendment to speak, publish, and protest.

Clear and Present Danger Test

Legal standard stating that speech posing an immediate and serious threat to national security is not protected by the 1st amendment.

Prior Restraint

The suppression of material prior to publication on grounds it is harmful or might endanger national security.

Symbolic Speech

Protected expression in the form of images, signs, and other symbols.

Libel

An untrue written statement that injures a person's reputation.

Slander

An untrue spoken expression that injures a person's reputation.

Ex Post Facto Laws

Laws that make a particular act illegal and punish people for acts committed before the law was passed.

Bill of Attainder

A legislative act declaring someone guilty without a trial.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

The right of detained individuals to know the charges against them.

Procedural Due Process

A judicial standard requiring fairness to be applied equally to all individuals.

Warrant

A document issued by a judge authorizing a search.

Probable Cause

Reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or that evidence indicates so.

Exclusionary Rule

A rule that evidence obtained without a warrant is inadmissible in court.

Grand Jury

A group of citizens that decides whether a person should be indicted or tried in court.

Double Jeopardy

Protection against being charged with the same crime again in the same jurisdiction after acquittal.

Miranda Rights

Rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning, required to be given by police.

Bail

An amount of money posted as security to allow individuals to be freed while awaiting trial.

First Amendment

Imposes restrictions on the federal government regarding civil liberties, including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Fourteenth Amendment

Grants citizenship to persons born in the U.S. and prohibits states from denying due process or equal protection under the law.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected from government infringement.

Fifth Amendment

Protects the rights of accused persons, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process.

Self-Incrimination

Situation where an individual is compelled to be a witness against themselves; forbidden by the 5th Amendment.

Sixth Amendment

Protects individuals accused of crimes, including the right to counsel, confront witnesses, and a speedy and public trial.

Eighth Amendment

Forbids cruel and unusual punishment.

Right to Privacy

The right to a private personal life free from government intrusion.