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

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civil liberties

Much of the concerns raised so far about the proposals have been about civil liberties and government overreach.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

Norman Siegel, one of the nation’s leading civil liberties attorneys, has led large-scale voting rights and voting registration efforts in the south and around the country.

From Salon ● Jun. 16, 2026

These remaining cases have massive implications for democracy, civil liberties, and the fundamental question of who gets to be an American; they include disputes over birthright citizenship, voting rights, immigration, and executive authority.

From Slate ● Jun. 1, 2026

Besides Apple and Google, the bill has detractors among messaging services, U.S. lawmakers, civil liberties groups and internet-law experts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026

You have already agreed that this letter raises questions like the rights of freedom, civil liberties, and so on?

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

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