1. Civil Liberties
September 8, 2008

2. Bill of Rights – First ten amendments to the Constitution
Civil liberties – protections against government.
Civil rights – positive acts of government that seek to make constitutional guarantees a reality for all people

3. Our rights are relative, not absolute
14th Amendment prevents States from denying basic rights without due process of law.
AKA “Due Process Clause”
9th Amendment

4. 1st Amendment prohibits “an establishment of religion”
“Establishment Clause”
According to Thomas Jefferson, Establishment Clause creates “a wall of separation between church and state.”

5. Court relies upon Lemon test:
Purpose of aid must be secular
Primary effect must neither advance nor inhibit religion
Must avoid “excessive entanglement of government with religion”
Free Exercise Clause

6. Freedom of Speech and Press
Not absolute
Slander & Libel not protected
Obscenity?
Symbolic speech
Media
Flag burning?

7. Freedom of Assembly and Petition
Protects right to assemble
Government can make and enforce reasonable rules
Right of association