UNIT 3 Flashcards
Civil Liberties
the constitutional and other legal protections against government actions. Our civil liberties are formally set down in the Bill of Rights.
Bill of Rights
the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press, and they guarantee defendants’ rights.
Due Process Clause
part of the Fourteenth Amendment guaranteeing that persons cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property by the U.S. or state governments without due process of law.
Incorporation Doctrine
the legal concept under which the Supreme Court has nationalized the Bill of Rights by making most of its provisions applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
Prior restraint
government actions that prevent material from being published
Establishment clause
part of the First Amendment stating that “congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”
Free Exercise Clause
a First Amendment provision that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion
Libel
the publication of false and malicious statements that may damage someone’s reputation
Probable Cause
reasonable grounds for believing that a person is guilty of a crime
Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
obtaining evidence is an unlawful manner, a practice prohibited by the Fourth Amendment
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
court sentences that are prohibited by the Eighth Amendment
Search Warrant
a written authorization from a court specifying the area to be searched and what the police may search for
Right to Privacy
the right to a private personal life free from the intrusion of government
Civil Rights
policies designed to protect people against arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by government officials or individuals
Poll Taxes
small taxes levied on the right to vote. Poll taxes were used by most Southern states to exclude African Americans from voting
