civil liberties

Cultural  

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.)

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Example Sentences

Porter and Thurmond called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be abolished but said, short of that, the state should monitor the federal agency’s operations in the state to protect civil liberties.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In response to these increasingly aggressive methods, civil liberties groups have pointed people towards state-level laws that might protect their privacy, whenever applicable.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

Critics of involuntary civil-commitment programs argue they violate civil liberties and stigmatize mental illness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

NGOs and civil society groups regularly condemn violations of civil liberties and threats against political opponents.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

The abuse of civil liberties brought about by the Palmer Raids ultimately shocked fair-minded citizens.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

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