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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civil liberties

In 2005, the California government formally apologized for these forced removals, recognizing they were “fundamental violations of … basic civil liberties and constitutional rights” during a period “of illegal deportation and coerced emigration.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026

An agency spokesperson said that ICE’s investigative methods abide by the Constitution and respects civil liberties and privacy interests.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

In 2008, Conservative MP David Davis resigned his seat of Haltemprice and Howden as part of a campaign about civil liberties.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 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

“So people’s civil liberties can go to hell so long as we’re safe, yeah?”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Related Words

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