civil liberties

1. In general, the rights to freedom of thought, expression, and action, and the protection of these rights from government interference or restriction. Civil liberties are the hallmark of liberal, democratic “free” societies. In the United States, the Bill of Rights guarantees a variety of civil liberties, most notably freedom of assembly , freedom of the press , freedom of religion , and freedom of speech , expressed in the First Amendment (see also First Amendment ). ( See civil rights .)

Example Sentences

I recall being taught that those laws were a big mistake perpetrated by an infant republic, unduly empowering the president to infringe on civil liberties.

From Los Angeles Times

But there is often a tension between improving public health and civil liberties.

From BBC

Patrick Eddington, a senior policy analyst for national security and civil liberties at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, takes a darker view, arguing that it's "naive" to suggest that Trump would be deterred by logistical complications.

From Salon

Critics feared the law could further erode civil liberties in the city, while Beijing and Hong Kong defended it, saying it was necessary for stability.

From BBC

Diamond has often said that democracies, with their strong protections for civil liberties and the rule of law, don’t drop dead of a heart attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• freedom
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech
• human rights