Federal Government 2305 Unit 8 Civil Liberties Civil Liberties Civil Liberties = The rights and freedoms protecting the people from government Civil Liberties: Religious Displays Civil Liberties: School Prayer Civil Liberties: Pledge of Allegiance Civil Liberties: Right to Dissent and Protest Civil Liberties: Freedom of Speech & Assembly Civil Liberties: Right to Demonstrate Civil Liberties: Right to Demonstrate Civil Liberties: Right to Demonstrate Civil Liberties: Right to Protest & Demonstrate Civil Liberties: Protest Civil Liberties: Television Civil Liberties: Rights of the Accused Civil Liberties: Rights of “Criminals” Civil Liberties: Rights of the Guilty Civil Liberties: Rights of the Accused—Miranda Rights Civil Liberties: Public Schools & Student Rights Power and Individual Liberty Authority and Liberty How much liberty must individuals surrender in order to secure a peaceful society? Democracy and Individual Liberty The purpose of the Constitution and Bill of Rights is to place personal liberty beyond the reach of government THREE POSITIONS ON CIVIL LIBERTIES Individual Rights (speech, press, religion, assembly, privacy) A N A R C H Y Government Powers to -protect national security -protect public morality -maintain law & order Preferred Position _________________________________________________ Absolutist Balanced Position Position T O T A L I T A R I A N I S M 3 Positions on Civil Liberties Absolutist Position: Few or no limits on Bill of Rights freedoms and rights—they are absolute Preferred Position: Bill of Rights freedoms take precedence and top priority over other interests—although they are not absolute Balancing Position Equally balance competing interests of protecting individual rights and governmental powers to regulate Important Civil Liberties Quote “THE RIGHT TO SWING MY FIST ENDS WHERE THE OTHER MAN’S NOSE BEGINS.” SUPREME COURT JUSTICE OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES What is his point?? Importance of ACLU ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) established in 1920 (during the Red Scare) to fight for the constitutional rights of people who were denied them due to the “unpopularity” of their ideas, goals, objectives, etc. Frequently represent “unpopular” or “extremist” groups—WHY?? 2nd Important Civil Liberties Quote “First they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not Jewish. Then they came for the Catholics, and I did not speak out because I was not Catholic. Then they came for the gays and I did not speak out because I was not gay. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for anybody.” Important point of this viewpoint?? Americans’ “Soft” Support for Civil Liberties (March 1970 Poll)1 1. As long as there appears to be no clear danger of violence, do you think any group, no matter how extreme, should be allowed to organize protests against the government? Yes_____ NO 76% 2. If a man is found innocent of a serious crime but new evidence is uncovered later, do you think he should be tried again for the same crime? Yes 58% No_____ 3. If a person is suspected of a serious crime, do you think the police should hold him in jail until they get enough evidence to officially charge him? Yes 58% No_____ Americans’ “Soft” Support for Civil Liberties (March 1970 Poll)2 4. Except in time of war, do you think newspapers, radio, and TV should have the right to report any story, even if the government feels it’s harmful to our national interest? Yes____ No 55% 5. Do you think everyone should have the right to criticize the government even if the criticism is damaging to our national interests? Yes____ No 54% Early Interpretation of the Bill of Rights Barron v. Baltimore (1833) In early 1830s, John Barron files suit against City of Baltimore Alleged that city ruined his wharf business Claimed protection under 5th Amendment (government cannot take private property without due process) Supreme Court decides against him Bill of Rights doesn’t apply to states—it only applies to the federal government Early Interpretation of the Bill of Rights2 Why didn’t the Framers apply the Bill of Rights to state governments? Nationalizing the Bill of Rights 1 Incorporation The process by which the Supreme Court examines individual provisions of the Bill of Rights and applies Bill of Rights freedoms to against state and local governments and officials Nationalizing the Bill of Rights 2 After the Civil War, 14th Amendment added to the Constitution 14th Amendment: No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws Nationalizing the Bill of Rights 3 Judges must determine what protections, if any, are provided by the phrases: •Privileges or immunities of citizens •Equal protection of the laws •Due process of law Gitlow v. New York (1927) New York prosecuted Gitlow, a Socialist, for advocating the overthrow of the U.S. Government Supreme Court ruled that individuals enjoy the protections of free speech against actions by state governments (beginning the process of incorporation) The Incorporation Process and the Nationalization of Constitutional Rights1 Incorporation The process through which the Supreme Court examines individual provisions of the Bill of Rights and applies them against state and local officials Provisions of the Bill of Rights that have never been incorporated: Second Amendment provision linking “a well-regulated Militia” and the right to bear arms 3rd Amendment provision against housing troops in private homes The Incorporation Process and the Nationalization of Constitutional Rights2 Provisions of the Bill of Rights that have never been incorporated (continued): 5th Amendment right to a grand jury 7th Amendment requirement of jury trials in cases over $20 8th Amendment prohibition of excessive bail Amendment 1 Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition government for a redress of grievances. First Amendment Rights Freedom of Religion Establishment Clause “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion….” Free Exercise Clause “…or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Establishment Clause Framer’s Intent: No national church No official religion No government financial support Supreme Court Interpretation: No government favoritism Government neutrality No government financial support “Separation of church and state” Lemon Test Freedom of Religion: What Constitutes “Establishment”? Prayer in school Engel v. Vitale (1962) School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp (1963) Freedom of Religion: What Constitutes “Establishment”? How does the Supreme Court decide cases that involve religion? Lemon test standard developed in the 1971 case Lemon v. Kurtzman. The court must ask three questions: Three-Part Lemon Test TO BE VALID, A LAW OR PROGRAM MUST: 1. REFLECT A SECULAR LEGISLATIVE PURPOSE 2. NEITHER ADVANCE OR INHIBIT RELIGION 3. AVOID EXCESSIVE ENTANGLEMENT WITH RELIGION No SPONSORSHIP No FINANCIAL SUPPORT No ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES Freedom of Religion: No Establishment of Religion Justice Hugo Black’s “Wall-ofSeparation” Doctrine (1947) •Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church. • Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. •Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church…or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion… •No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions, whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adopt to teach or practice religion. Establishment Clause Cases Allowed Voluntary prayer/public schools “Moment of silence laws”/p.s Voluntary Bible reading/p.s Bible reading—secular course/p. schools Tax exemption for churches Tax $ for Christmas decorations—if done correctly Prayers in Congress, state legislature, city council, etc. Military chaplains Sunday closing laws Tax $ for texts, testing, busing students to parochial schools State scholarships for religion majors Not Allowed Organized prayer in public schools Organized Bible reading in public schools Required posting of 10 Commandments in public schools Banning of evolution Required teaching of creationism “Equal time” laws Tax $ used for nativity scenes- depends on how done Free Exercise Clause Framer’s Intent: Freedom to believe Freedom to worship Supreme Court Interpretation: Freedom of believe is absolute Freedom to worship is not absoluteit can be limited Why?? Freedom of Religion: The Free Exercise Clause Not all conduct carried out in the name of religion is permissible A balancing of religious freedom and valid secular purposes Beliefs Practices Protected absolutely Not absolute Governmental restrictions are often upheld by the Court when enacted for valid, secular purposes the “valid secular test.” Free Exercise Clause Cases Protected •Amish—No school after 8th grade •Jehovah Witnesses—No saluting the flag •Jehovah Witnesses—No blood transfusions-adults •Navajos---use of hallucinogenic drug peyote •Rastafarians—use of marijuana •Santeria Church—sacrificing chickens •Quakers—exemption from draft •Atheists—exemption from draft •Muslims—head scarf & school dress codes Not Protected •Jehovah Witnesses—No blood transfusions-child •Mormons--polygamy •Christian Scientists— exemption from vaccinations •White Hippies-joining Navajo faith to use peyote •Muslims—Headscarf & drivers license pictures •Christian Cults-Snake Handling First Amendment Rights: Freedom of Speech Not all types of speech are protected by the 1st amendment Laws must balance individual liberties versus societal interests During World War I, federal government prosecuted people for being critical of the government. Supreme Court upheld convictions Espionage Act of 1917 & Sedition Act of 1918 Freedom of Speech The Smith Act (1940) •“It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly or willfully advocate, abet, advise, or teach the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any government in the United States by force or violence, or by the assassination of any officer of any such government.” •Subject to up to a $20,000 fine and/or 20 years in prison Four Types of Speech (Different standards & rules) Political Pure Commercial Symbolic Freedom of Speech Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes’s “Clear and Present Danger” Test for Political Speech: Would permit prosecution only for speeches and publications that actually posed a tangible, immediate threat to American society Clear & Present Danger Rule for Political Speech Government can punish or outlaw speech only if it causes substantive evils so immediate and imminent that no opportunity for discussion exists. Government must prove speech presents and immediate danger Rioting, lawlessness, destruction of property Courts & Free Speech Cases JUDGES CONSIDERS: WHAT WAS SAID HOW IT WAS SAID INTENT OF THE SPEAKER WHERE WAS IT SAID JUDGE CONSIDERS CIRCUMSTANCES: HOW IS GOVERNMENT ATTEMPTING TO REGULATE SPEECH WHY IS GOVERNMENT ATTEMPTING TO REGULATE SPEECH Pure Speech “Over-the-backyard-fence” speech Speech between family, friends, and neighbors Speech is non-political Courts: government has no business regulating pure speech Commercial Speech Must be truthful to be protected Captive Audience Rule Government can restrict or regulate if aimed at a captive audience (people who cannot easily escape it) Examples: bus riders students in classroom Symbolic Speech When people take an action designed to communicate an idea Examples: Wearing a black armband to school Wearing the peace sign or peace sign jewelry Burning your draft card Burning the American flag Wearing a shirt or clothing with a political message Cross burning Giving the finger Symbolic Speech Guidelines 1. Must not disrupt a government program 2. Must not interfere with the operation(s) of the facility where it takes place · · · · · · · -Black armband worn to school -Burning your draft card - Wearing the peace sign -Flying the US flag upside down -Burning the American flag -Wearing a t-shirt with an obscene word (“_uck the Draft”) into the California state assembly -Giving a policeman the finger Freedom of Speech: Symbolic Speech In 1965, Tinker wore a black armband to school in order to express opposition to Vietnam War and was suspended Supreme Court decided 7-2 that the school had violated her 1st Amendment rights Freedom of Press I. All Written Material Newspapers Magazines/journals Brochures/pamphlets Fliers Books Fiction and Nonfiction Poetry II. The Electronic Media Radio Television Movies/videos/dvds Music: records/tapes, cds Internet Freedom of the Press 1931 Supreme Court case Near v. Minnesota The Supreme Court argues against the use of advance censorship (no prior restraint rule) of publications that criticize the government Prior restraint: a governmental attempt to prevent certain information or viewpoints from being published Freedom of Press & “No Prior Restraint Rule” “No Prior Restraint Rule” No advance government censorship unless: Causes “irreparable harm” to national security Violates a defendant’s right to a fair trial Harms “vital national interests” Protecting a Defendant’s Right to a Fair Trial Trial judge can: Informally ask all lawyers & parties to refrain from discussing certain aspects of the case Either party can ask for a change of venue Sequester the jury Move the trial to another location where there has been less publicity about the trial & crime Put jury up in hotel room & limit news and communication with jurors for duration of trial As a last resort: issue a “gag order”— restricting what the media can report, publish & broadcast Freedom of the Press 1971 Supreme Court Case, New York Times Company v. U.S. (Pentagon Papers case) • During the Vietnam war, Daniel Ellsberg, a Defense Department analyst, leaked top-secret papers about the war to the newspapers • The government tried to stop their publication on the grounds that their publication would hurt national security • Supreme Court ruled that the papers could be published because the government did not prove “irreparable harm” Freedom of the Press, No Prior Restraint, & Irreparable Harm A doctoral student wrote his dissertation on how to build your own atomic bomb After graduation he sold it to a journal for publication The Ford administration went to court to stop publication The Ford administration lost because all information used was already available on library shelves available to the public The Electronic Media 1. TV regulated by FCC a voluntary industry ratings system 2. Radio regulated by FCC 3. Movies Can be seized for obscenity reasons A quick judicial hearing (trial) must be provided An industry rating system 4. Music A rating system by the industry—parental advisory stickers 5. Internet Two federal laws (to protect children from porn) were declared unconstitutional Parental responsibility-use blocking software Freedom of the Press:Movies Film censorship Gradually films have been protected Still can be censored by the government – for obscenity reasons Freedom of the Press: Special Rights? Media claims for special rights Reporter’s privilege to keep confidential sources secret (to not reveal identity of informants in court) Press Shield Laws Freedom of Press: What is Not Protected Libel Reporter’s confidential sources (unless a shield law) Obscene Material (Pornography) Obscenity and the Law Changing Definitions Roth v. United States (1957) If the dominant theme appeals to the “prurient interest” & is “utterly without redeeming social importance.” Fanny Hill case (1966) If the dominant theme appeals to the prurient interest” & is “utterly without redeeming social value.” Current Obscenity Standard: The “Miller Test” Miller v. California (1973) guidelines: 1. Whether the average person, “applying contemporary community standards,” would find that the work, taken as a whole, “appeals to prurient interests.” 2. Whether the work depicts “in a patently offensive way” sexual conduct defined & forbidden by state law. 3. Whether the work as a whole “lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.” Allowed more restrictions on pornography, especially in more conservative, small-town & rural American Freedom of Assembly Must be peaceful Need consent of property owner When can restrictions be put on freedom of assembly? Three permissible restrictions on assembly: • • • Time Place Management Right To Petition Government for a “Redress of Grievances” This protects the right of any person (especially lobbyists and interest groups) to communicate with government, contact government, attempt to influence or visit government officials, or lobby government and government officials. Must be peaceful Freedom of Association (An Implied Right) This is the constitutional right to belong to any organization, club, or group (no matter how disgusting, unpopular, radical or extremist) of your choice Government cannot ban or make groups illegal Protects rights of unpopular/extremist groups: Communists Nazis Ku Klux Klan Gay Liberation Right to Demonstrate (An Implied Right) Must be peaceful Need consent of property owner When can restrictions be put on right to demonstrate? Three permissible restrictions on right to demonstrate: • • • Time Place Management Five Types of Expression Not Protected by the 1st Amendment Libel/slander Obscenity/pornography Fraudulent advertising “Fighting words” – “Well defined & narrowly limited classes of speech which by their very nature inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of peace. Sedition & Subversion – “Speech & press encouraging the use of force in violation of the laws, producing imminent lawless action.” Right to Privacy The word “privacy” does not appear in the Constitution However, in 1965 (Griswold v. Conn.), the Supreme Court determined that the right to privacy existed as an “unstated element” in several rights in the Bill of Rights Amendment IX “The enumeration in the constitution , of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” Areas Protected by the Right To Privacy An adult’s right to have access to birth control (Griswold v. Conn.-1965) No wiretapping of phone without prior court order (Katz v. U.S. – 1967) Right to possess pornography in your home--not child pornography (Stanley v. Georgia – 1969) Woman’s right to an abortion (Roe v. Wade -1973) An adult’s right to engage in consensual sexual activities in the privacy of the home (Texas v. Lawrence -2003) Privacy, Abortion and the Constitution Roe v. Wade (1973) A woman in Texas claimed she was raped and not legally allowed by state law to have an abortion Brought the case to the Supreme Court The Court ruled 7 to 2 that the Texas law violated her constitutional right to personal privacy Roe v. Wade Trimester Framework _________________________ 0 Months 3 4 Months 6 7 Months 9 1st Trimester 2nd Trimester 3rd Trimester No restrictions Safety & Health Regulations States can still ban any/all abortions = Viability Chipping Away at Roe v. Wade Webster decision (1989): States may place “reasonable restrictions” on abortion. Significance: Allows state to place more restrictions on abortion & conservative judges uphold more “reasonable restrictions” Problem: What are “reasonable restrictions”? Minors: Parental notification or permission laws are permissible IF the law has a “judicial bypass” provision Privacy, Abortion, and the Constitution Recent changes in the Court’s composition have opened up the possibility to the Roe ruling eventually being overturned Abortion & Public Opinion: The “Hot Button Issue” Abortion: Do Americans Favor or Oppose the Following Proposals? Privacy & Sexual Conduct Lawrence v. Texas (2003) Case was concerned with Texas statute that criminalized sexual contact between two people of the same gender Reversed Bowers v. Hardwick (1986) Gay Marriage Supreme court has not ruled on any cases “Full Faith and Credit” constitutional provision requires that marriage in one state is obligated to be recognized by another 1996 Defense of Marriage Act—allows states to decide whether to recognize same sex marriages legalized in other states The Right to Die Cruzan Case (1990) Established a constitutional right to die Based on the 14th Amendment’s “liberty” in the due process clause: “…(no) state shall deprive a person life, liberty, or property without due process of law” For patient to choose to refuse or discontinue medical treatment, patient must be: § Competent § Adult States may establish procedures to regulate this Importance of living wills, directive to physician, durable power of attorney Rights of Criminal Defendants Amendments 4-8 & The Guarantee of the Writ of Habeas Corpus (Article I, Section 9) Amendment IV “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation & particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” The exclusionary rule (Weeks v. US – 1914) Applied to state courts in 1961 (Mapp v. Ohio) Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law*; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation *Miranda ruling Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed…and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him, and to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. Amendment VII In suits of common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. No Cruel & Unusual Punishment No barbarous, lingering, tortuous punishment No disproportionate sentences No inhumane prison/jail conditions For the death penalty to be constitutional, Supreme Court guidelines must be followed Capital Punishment 1 Can it be considered “cruel and unusual” punishment? Supreme Court Guidelines for Capital Punishment Death penalty legal only if a life taken No automatic death penalty Two part process to be followed: guilt & punishment phases Aggravating & mitigating factors must be presented at punishment phase Aggravating leads to death penalty Mitigating leads to incarceration Character & record of defendant must be considered No execution of juveniles (under 18) No execution of mentally retarded (IQ-59) Capital Punishment Summary: Rights of Suspects 1. No unreasonable search x seizures (4) – Exclusionary rule (4) 2. No wire tapping or electronic eavesdropping without prior court order (4) 3. No self-incrimination or coerced confessions (5) – Right to remain silent (5) 4. No coercion or torture during interrogation (No 3rd degree) (5) 5. Required reading of Miranda rights (5 & 6) 6. Arrest on warrant or sufficient cause (4) Summary: Rights of the Accused 1. Indictment by grand jury (5) 2. No excessive bail (8) 3. Trial by jury (6) (a) public trial (b) speedy trial (c) impartial jury 4. Right to counsel (6) 5. Double jeopardy (5) 6. Unanimous verdict- (Federal Criminal trials) 7. Right to confront witness Summary: Rights of the Guilty/Convicted 1. No excessive fines (8) 2. Right to appeal 3. No cruel & unusual punishment (8) 4. Right to writ of habeas corpus (Article I. Section 9) Writ of Habeas Corpus Right to writ of habeas corpus (Article I. Section 9) If in custody, person can demand to be taken before a judge and those holding the suspect must justify the detention of the suspect—otherwise, judge orders suspect released Importance? The Rights of the Accused & The Rights of Victims Amendment II: The Right to Bear Arms A well-regulated Militia, being necessary for the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. • Prior to 2008, the Supreme Court has never treated the final part of the amendment as a separate clause that provides individual citizens with a right to own guns. They have ruled it protects a collective right to own weapons as they relate to the defense of the nation. A 2008 Supreme Court decision recognized an individual right to possess a weapon for self-defense. • The Second Amendment has never been incorporated. Amendment III No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner,nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Brought about by the British forcing the American colonists to house British soldiers in colonial homes without the consent of the owner. Amendment X The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Defines state powers (reserved powers) as those not given to the federal government and not denied to the states. = a very broad, vague definition of state (reserved) powers