Ap gov unit 3

Civil Liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected from infringement by the government.

Civil Rights

Protections from discrimination as a member of a particular group.

Bill of Rights

A list of fundamental rights and freedoms individuals possess, specifically the first ten amendments to the US constitution.

Due Process

The clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that restricts state and government from denying citizens their life, liberty, or prosperity without legal safeguard.

Selective Incorporation

The piecemeal process through which the Supreme Court has affirmed that almost all protections within the Bill of Rights apply to state government.

Establishment Clause

First Amendment protection against the government requiring citizens to join or support their religion.

Free Exercise Clause

First Amendment protection of the rights of individuals to exercise and express their religious beliefs.

Clear and Present Danger Test

Legal standard that allows the government to restrict speech that poses significant risk of inciting violence or public disorder.

Prior Restraint

The suppression of material prior to publication on the grounds that it 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

A spoken false statement that defames an individual or damages their reputation.

Obscenity

Material considered offensive or inappropriate, lacking serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value.

Exclusionary Rule

A principle that prohibits the use of evidence obtained through unconstitutional means.

Grand Jury

A group of citizens convened to review evidence and determine whether there is sufficient cause to charge an individual with a crime.

Double Jeopardy

Legal doctrine preventing an individual from being tried twice for the same offense.

Miranda Rights

Rights that must be read to a suspect upon arrest, informing them of their right to remain silent and legal counsel.

Bail

The conditional release of a defendant from custody in exchange for a sum of money or guarantee.

Obscenity (Legal Definition)

Material portraying sexual conduct in a manner that violates prevailing community standards.