gov civil liberties vocab

Civil Liberties

Constitutional freedoms guaranteed to protect individuals from government interference.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A court order requiring a prisoner be brought before a judge to determine if their detention is lawful.

Bill of Attainder

A law that punishes a person without a trial—prohibited by the Constitution.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that makes an act illegal after it was committed—also unconstitutional.

Due Process Clause

Part of the 5th and 14th Amendments; ensures government follows fair procedures.

Due Process of Law

Legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

Selective Incorporation

The process of applying portions of the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals’ rights to practice their religion freely.

Blue Laws

Laws that prohibit certain activities on Sundays for religious reasons.

Censorship

Government suppression of speech, media, or information.

Symbolic Speech

Nonverbal expression, such as wearing armbands, protected by the First Amendment.

Seditious Speech

Speech that encourages resistance or rebellion against the government.

Imminent Lawless Action Test

Standard limiting speech if it’s intended and likely to incite lawless action soon.

Commercial Speech

Advertising or other speech on behalf of a business, with limited First Amendment protection.

Libel

Written false statements that damage a person’s reputation.

Slander

Spoken false statements that harm a person’s reputation.

Fighting Words

Speech likely to provoke immediate violence; not protected by the First Amendment.

Obscenity

Sexually explicit material not protected by the First Amendment if it meets certain legal criteria.

Probable Cause

Reasonable grounds for a search, arrest, or pressing a charge.

Double Jeopardy

Being tried twice for the same offense; prohibited by the 5th Amendment.

Self-Incrimination

Testifying against oneself; protected against by the 5th Amendment.

Jury Trial

Legal proceeding where a jury makes a decision or findings of fact.

Plea Bargain

Agreement where the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid trial.

Exclusionary Rule

Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court.

Miranda Warnings

Statements police must give to inform suspects of their rights before questioning.

Eminent Domain

Government power to take private property for public use with compensation.