Constitutional Law: Rights & Liberties December 2010

POWER IN SOCIETY POL 365 POL 366 PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY PUBLIC GOVERNMENTAL POWER

These are constitutional protections for personal liberty or freedom; they are about living our lives unfettered by government.  Freedom of religion, speech, press & assembly [1st Amend.]  The right to keep and bear arms [2nd Amend.]  The right to privacy [1st, 4th, 5th, 9th & 14th amends.] POL 366 – Theme #1: Civil Liberties

These are constitutional protections that come into play when we are suspected of criminal behavior.  Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure [4th Amend.]  The right to indictment by grand jury, protection from double jeopardy and self-incrimination, right to due process [5th Amend.]  The right to a speedy trial, a public trial, an impartial jury, witness confrontation, and assistance of counsel [6th Amend.]  The right to trial by jury [7th Amend.]  Freedom from excessive bail and cruel & unusual punishment [8th Amend.]  Other rights not enumerated [9th Amend.]  The right to privileges and immunities of citizens & due process [14th Amend.] POL 366 – Theme #2: Suspect Rights

These are constitutional protections emanating from equality rather than freedom.  The prohibition of slavery [13th Amend.]  The national definition of citizenship & equal protection of the laws [14th Amend.]  The right to vote (race) [15th Amend.]  The right to vote (sex) [19th Amend.]  The right to vote (poll tax) [24th Amend.]  The right to vote (age 18) [26th Amend.] POL 366 – Theme #3: Civil Rights