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