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

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

But the idea came under immediate pressure from political opponents and civil liberties campaigners, including Big Brother Watch, highlighting concerns around privacy.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“We must also be very clear that any response to these abhorrent attacks that curtails our civil liberties would be wrong,” said Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“It’s not like we have civil liberties in here—or lawyers.”

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

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