Civil Rights vs. Civil Liberties Quiz

Study Notes

Civil Rights vs. Civil Liberties

Civil liberties are inherent rights that protect individuals from government overreach, guaranteed by the Constitution and judicial rulings.
Civil rights involve positive governmental actions aimed at preventing discrimination, ensuring equal protection under the law.

Doctrine of Incorporation

Uses the 14th Amendment to extend Bill of Rights protections to state governments.
Example: In Gitlow v. New York (1925), the Supreme Court ruled that free speech protections apply to state actions.

Discriminatory Congressional Acts

Sedition Act: Criminalized negative communication against the government, contributing to the imprisonment of Eugene V. Debs.
Espionage Act: Focused on making false statements about the military and governmental actions.

14th Amendment Protections

Emphasizes due process and ensures no individual is denied equal protection under the law.
States cannot engage in unreasonable discrimination against people within their jurisdiction.

Fundamental Rights Determination

The core question in rights protection: which rights are fundamental enough to influence state governance?

Selective Incorporation

The judicial process whereby parts of the Bill of Rights are applied to state laws through court rulings.
Ensures citizens receive the rights specified in the Bill of Rights at the state level.

Limits on Freedom of Speech

Clear and present danger doctrine restricts speech that poses an imminent threat.
Example: Schenk v. United States, where advocacy of harmful actions led to imprisonment.

Types of Speech and Their Protections

Certain types of speech are not fully protected, including:
- Defamation: Making false statements that harm a person's reputation.
- Flag burning: Considered offensive, lacking artistic or literary value.
- False advertising: Misleading consumers for profit.
- Symbolic speech: Political actions that convey messages may have varying degrees of protection.

Exclusionary Rule

Prohibits the use of evidence obtained illegally during criminal trials.
Aims to protect individuals’ rights and ensure fair judicial processes.

Miranda Ruling

Requires law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights to silence and legal counsel during interrogations.
Established to protect against self-incrimination.

American Courts and Foreign Criminals

Courts can prosecute foreign criminals, including terrorists, under unlawful coalition provisions.
Ensures accountability for crimes that cross international boundaries.

Description

Test your knowledge on the differences between civil rights and civil liberties, including important court cases and constitutional amendments. Learn how the 14th Amendment plays a vital role in protecting individual rights from governmental actions.