Civil Liberties

Civil Rights Amendments The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, which abolished slavery, redefined civil rights and liberties, and guaranteed the right to vote to all adult male citizens.

Due Process Clause Found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution; forbids deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Prior Restraint Doctrine Legal doctrine that gives individuals the right to publish without prior restraint—that is, without first submitting material to a government censor.

Clear and Present Danger Doctrine The principle that people should have complete freedom of speech unless their language endangers the nation.

Fighting Words Doctrine The principle, endorsed by the Supreme Court in Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire (1942), that some words constitute violent acts and are therefore not protected under the First Amendment.

Percentage Opposed to Allowing Communists to Make a Speech

Limitations on Free Speech Libel—False statement defaming another. Obscenity—Publicly offensive language or portrayals with no redeeming social value. Commercial speech—advertising or other speech make for business purposes.

TV Crime News

Homicide Rates in the U.S.

Most People Think Courts Should Be Tougher on Criminals

A Comparison of Homicide and Burglary Rates

Comparing Incarceration Rates