What are civil liberties?

Civil liberties refer to the basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to individuals by law, typically enshrined in a constitution or legal framework. These liberties serve to protect individuals from government overreach and ensure personal freedoms such as free speech, assembly, religion, and due process. In the United States, civil liberties are largely derived from the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, which delineate specific protections against government action.

This definition emphasizes that civil liberties are fundamental rights that cannot be arbitrarily revoked or restricted by the government without due process, providing a crucial balance in society to protect individual freedoms. Understanding civil liberties is essential, as they form the foundation of democratic governance and protect citizens from abuse of power.