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

The scheme has been condemned by civil liberties groups and queried by the National Association of Head Teachers.

From The Daily Beast

Alas, neocons, civil liberties at home matter more than those abroad!

From The Daily Beast

It had been a year during which I had lectured at many colleges--mostly on education and civil liberties.

From The Daily Beast

It ended as a morality play about the failure to protect civil liberties…[and] the complete negation of the evidence of abuse.

From The Daily Beast

Civil liberties give them the right to express themselves in ways that bring emotional and physical harm to minority groups.

From The Daily Beast

Chicano rights, rights for disabled people, the whole tradition of civil liberties was created or strengthened by these people.

From Project Gutenberg

The ignorant, light-hearted Canadian peasant knew nothing and cared nothing about popular rights and civil liberties.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, you received a letter from the local chapter of the Civil Liberties union in Russian, did you not?

From Project Gutenberg

Friends of the colored man insisted that his civil liberties would not be safe unless he was granted the right to vote.

From Project Gutenberg

I know right after that, the Civil Liberties Union got into it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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