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4: Civil Liberties

  • Page ID
    284314
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    • 4.0: Introduction
      This page discusses recent protests, particularly Black Lives Matter demonstrations, which have reignited debates about civil liberties versus government restrictions. State legislatures are contemplating laws that could threaten peaceful assembly while providing protection to those who confront protesters. The historical context emphasizes that struggles for individual rights lead to political change, reinforcing the importance of active citizen involvement in safeguarding these freedoms.
    • 4.1: What Are Civil Liberties?
      This page discusses the evolution of civil liberties and rights in the U.S., emphasizing the Bill of Rights' creation to limit government intrusion and ensure equal treatment. It outlines the historical tensions between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, leading to the Bill's adoption for ratification reassurance.
    • 4.2: Securing Basic Freedoms
      This page covers the Bill of Rights, focusing on the First through Fourth Amendments. Key topics include the First Amendment's establishment and free exercise clauses, significant court cases around religious freedom and expression, and the evolving interpretations of gun rights. The Second Amendment's transformation towards individual rights is noted, alongside the Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches.
    • 4.3: The Rights of Suspects
      This page discusses the rights of individuals accused of crimes, emphasizing protections in the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Amendments. It highlights key rights such as due process, protection against self-incrimination, and the right to a fair trial. Eminent domain's controversial use is examined, along with efforts to reform civil forfeiture practices through bipartisan legislation.
    • 4.4: Interpreting the Bill of Rights
      This page covers the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, highlighting individual rights and state powers. It discusses privacy rights' evolution, from common-law origins to landmark Supreme Court cases like Griswold and Roe, further shaped by Dobbs. The text also addresses advanced surveillance technologies, detailing their potential for privacy violations and the ongoing debate over government power versus individual freedoms, contrasting U.S. approaches with stricter European protections.
    • 4.5: Key Terms
      This page summarizes key legal concepts, including blue laws, civil liberties, and definitions like double jeopardy and plea bargains. It highlights important First Amendment clauses, due process, and privacy rights. Additionally, it discusses the exclusionary rule, search warrants, the Patriot Act, and standards for evaluating laws related to religious freedoms and abortion rights.
    • 4.6: Summary
      This page discusses the Bill of Rights, which safeguards individual freedoms from government interference, initially at the national level and later expanded to states via the Fourteenth Amendment. The first four amendments cover essential freedoms, including religion, expression, gun rights, and protection from unreasonable searches.
    • 4.7: Review Questions
      This page examines the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the Bill of Rights, civil liberties versus civil rights, and key amendments. It discusses selective incorporation, notable Supreme Court cases related to privacy, abortion, and the death penalty, and clarifies differences between criminal and civil cases. The text also highlights the challenges technology poses to traditional privacy norms.
    • 4.8: Critical Thinking Questions
      This page explores civil liberties and rights within the context of the Constitution and legal cases like Burwell v. Hobby. It assesses government effectiveness in protecting freedoms, identifies potential intrusions, and examines resource implications. The text also considers the balance between justice and wrongful punishment, inviting perspectives on societal priorities regarding civil liberties.
    • 4.9: Suggestions for Further Study
      This page presents a selection of books examining civil liberties, constitutional rights, and media regulation by various scholars. Key titles include "Freedom and the Court," "Before the Next Attack," and "The First Amendment and the Fifth Estate." The collection addresses privacy rights, the Fifth Amendment's origins, and campus censorship, offering insights into the evolution and current landscape of American civil liberties and constitutional law.


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