History and Profiles - Civil Liberties Biographies, Glossary, and FAQs
General information on U.S. civil liberties, with lots of reference material consisting of civil liberties biographies, profiles of major cases and legislation, glossary, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and more.
The Evolution of American Civil Liberties
The civil liberties we have today weren't created; they evolved.
Inch by inch, technicality by technicality, the British system of law that once allowed for the absolute rule of the monarch gradually became a system that respected Parliament and, when it was transplanted to the United States, eliminated the monarchy from the equation entirely. The Bill of Rights, once an unenforceable seri…
The civil liberties we have today weren't created; they evolved.
Inch by inch, technicality by technicality, the British system of law that once allowed for the absolute rule of the monarch gradually became a system that respected Parliament and, when it was transplanted to the United States, eliminated the monarchy from the equation entirely. The Bill of Rights, once an unenforceable seri…
The 8 Worst Presidents Ever
There's something about the office of the presidency that attracts narcissists and megalomaniacs. While some presidents shredded the Constitution during a wartime panic (I'm looking at you, Abraham Lincoln), these eight leaders went above and beyond that to discernibly shift our country a little bit closer to the edge of fascism. Oh, sure, none of them were all bad--but on civil libertie…
There's something about the office of the presidency that attracts narcissists and megalomaniacs. While some presidents shredded the Constitution during a wartime panic (I'm looking at you, Abraham Lincoln), these eight leaders went above and beyond that to discernibly shift our country a little bit closer to the edge of fascism. Oh, sure, none of them were all bad--but on civil libertie…
How to Argue Ineffectively
How to argue your point ineffectively and lose every time.
How to argue your point ineffectively and lose every time.
Why is the Bill of Rights important?
The importance of the Bill of Rights isn't as obvious as it might first appear.
The importance of the Bill of Rights isn't as obvious as it might first appear.
John McCain on Civil Liberties Issues
There are two schools of thought about John McCain. One holds that he's a maverick senator and a substantial improvement over Bush. The other holds that he's a standards-bearer who will govern as a conservative.
Both schools of thought are basically correct.
McCain is a conservative maverick. The fact that he's a maverick does not make him a centrist, and the fact that he's a con…
There are two schools of thought about John McCain. One holds that he's a maverick senator and a substantial improvement over Bush. The other holds that he's a standards-bearer who will govern as a conservative.
Both schools of thought are basically correct.
McCain is a conservative maverick. The fact that he's a maverick does not make him a centrist, and the fact that he's a con…
Where do we get our rights?
Where do we get our rights? Tom Head reflects on the question.
Where do we get our rights? Tom Head reflects on the question.
Civil Liberties in 2007
A new Supreme Court. A new Congress. A presidential election on the horizon. Allegations of illegal torture, detention, and surveillance by the Bush administration. 2007 was an exciting, and sometimes depressing, year in U.S. civil liberties. Here are the stories that made it what it was.
A new Supreme Court. A new Congress. A presidential election on the horizon. Allegations of illegal torture, detention, and surveillance by the Bush administration. 2007 was an exciting, and sometimes depressing, year in U.S. civil liberties. Here are the stories that made it what it was.
The Democratic Party on Civil Liberties
An overview of the Democratic Party and where it stands on civil liberties issues.
An overview of the Democratic Party and where it stands on civil liberties issues.
Key Civil Liberties Cases of the Supreme Court's 2007-2008 Term
The Supreme Court's new term began on October 1, 2007. Here's an early list of cases that we already know the Supreme Court will address in the coming session. The Court is still in the process of deciding which cases to hear, so this list is not definitive; bookmark this page and check it later for up-to-date information on important civil liberties cases currently before the Court.
The Supreme Court's new term began on October 1, 2007. Here's an early list of cases that we already know the Supreme Court will address in the coming session. The Court is still in the process of deciding which cases to hear, so this list is not definitive; bookmark this page and check it later for up-to-date information on important civil liberties cases currently before the Court.
Civil Liberties in the United States, State by State
An overview of civil liberties in U.S. states.
An overview of civil liberties in U.S. states.
Civil Liberties in Mississippi
A short guide to civil liberties in Mississippi.
A short guide to civil liberties in Mississippi.
Why Protest Events Are Not a Waste of Time
Five reasons why protest events aren't a waste of time.
Five reasons why protest events aren't a waste of time.
How to Make a Fool Out of Yourself at a Protest Event
Five easy ways to make a fool out of yourself at a protest event.
Five easy ways to make a fool out of yourself at a protest event.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
A profile of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
A profile of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Why Laws Exist
A description of the five major reasons why laws exist.
A description of the five major reasons why laws exist.
Key Civil Liberties Cases of the Supreme Court's 2006-2007 Term
Profiles of key civil liberties cases of the Supreme Court's 2006-2007 term.
Profiles of key civil liberties cases of the Supreme Court's 2006-2007 term.
Supreme Court Central
It has been an eventful term for the U.S. Supreme Court. For the first time since 1994, the Supreme Court has new members--one of them a new chief justice. Let's look back on the cases that defined the Court over the past year, and the effect those cases may have on our country. Let's also look ahead to the 2007-2008 term and the cases that will more than likely send ripples through what already promises to be a lively election year.
It has been an eventful term for the U.S. Supreme Court. For the first time since 1994, the Supreme Court has new members--one of them a new chief justice. Let's look back on the cases that defined the Court over the past year, and the effect those cases may have on our country. Let's also look ahead to the 2007-2008 term and the cases that will more than likely send ripples through what already promises to be a lively election year.
Top Civil Liberties Stories
The top civil liberties stories of the moment. Updated often.
The top civil liberties stories of the moment. Updated often.
ACLU Assesses Proposals to Amend Real ID Legislation
The ACLU assesses new revisions to the Real ID legislation.
The ACLU assesses new revisions to the Real ID legislation.
Reasons to Oppose Civil Liberties
A list of the top 10 reasons why we are tempted to give up our civil liberties.
A list of the top 10 reasons why we are tempted to give up our civil liberties.
Civil Liberties in 2006
A review of stories we covered in 2006.
A review of stories we covered in 2006.
Greatest Hits of 2006
The top ten articles on About.com Civil Liberties in 2006.
The top ten articles on About.com Civil Liberties in 2006.
Full Coverage: UCLA Taser Incident
Updated news and detailed analysis dealing with the UCLA campus police's tasering of 23-year-old student Mostafa Tabatabainejad, as well as the subsequent independent investigation.
Updated news and detailed analysis dealing with the UCLA campus police's tasering of 23-year-old student Mostafa Tabatabainejad, as well as the subsequent independent investigation.
UCLA Launches Independent Investigation Regarding Student Tasering Incident
On November 17th, 2006, the acting chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles announced that Merrick Bobb, formerly of the Christopher Commission, had been asked to lead an independent investigation into the tasering of UCLA student Mostafa Tabatabainejad.
On November 17th, 2006, the acting chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles announced that Merrick Bobb, formerly of the Christopher Commission, had been asked to lead an independent investigation into the tasering of UCLA student Mostafa Tabatabainejad.
UCLA Student Tasered
On November 14th, 2006, a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, was excessively tasered by campus police officers.
On November 14th, 2006, a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, was excessively tasered by campus police officers.
Keeping Democracy Alive
An illustrated history of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
An illustrated history of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Things to Expect as a Result of the 2006 Midterm Elections
After the 2006 midterm elections, an analysis of how Democratic victories will specifically affect legislation dealing with immigration, abortion, gay marriage, and other issues.
After the 2006 midterm elections, an analysis of how Democratic victories will specifically affect legislation dealing with immigration, abortion, gay marriage, and other issues.
Vote
A guide to the 2006 elections for voters concerned about civil liberties issues.
A guide to the 2006 elections for voters concerned about civil liberties issues.
Supreme Court Civil Liberties Cases for the 2006-2007 Term
Civil liberties related Supreme Court cases for the new 2006-2007 term.
Civil liberties related Supreme Court cases for the new 2006-2007 term.
Reasons the Clinton Administration Wasn't So Hot on Civil Liberties Issues
An overview of the Clinton administration's gloomy legacy on some civil liberties issues.
An overview of the Clinton administration's gloomy legacy on some civil liberties issues.
Top 10 Civil Liberties News Stories - August 30, 2006 Edition
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week and a half ending August 22nd, 2006. Includes discussion of the FDA's Plan B decision, housing discrimination in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and a new Ohio law targeting Hispanic voters.
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week and a half ending August 22nd, 2006. Includes discussion of the FDA's Plan B decision, housing discrimination in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and a new Ohio law targeting Hispanic voters.
Top 10 Civil Liberties News Stories - August 22, 2006 Edition
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week and a half ending August 22nd, 2006. Includes discussion of the Detroit ACLU v. NSA ruling, proposed Senate wiretapping legislation, and the anti-immigrant Hazleton ordinance.
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week and a half ending August 22nd, 2006. Includes discussion of the Detroit ACLU v. NSA ruling, proposed Senate wiretapping legislation, and the anti-immigrant Hazleton ordinance.
Top 10 Civil Liberties News Stories of the Week - August 11, 2006 Edition
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending August 11th, 2006. Includes discussion of the London plane bombing terrorism scare and the subsequent call for racial and ethnic profiling, the ACLU's report on mishandling of Orleans Parish Prison during Hurricane Katrina, and the civil liberties implications of the new cybercrime treaty.
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending August 11th, 2006. Includes discussion of the London plane bombing terrorism scare and the subsequent call for racial and ethnic profiling, the ACLU's report on mishandling of Orleans Parish Prison during Hurricane Katrina, and the civil liberties implications of the new cybercrime treaty.
Top 10 Civil Liberties News Stories of the Week - August 4, 2006 Edition
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending August 4th, 2006. Includes discussion of the U.N. Human Rights Committee's response to the U.S. shadow report, the FDA's upcoming decision on emergency contraception, and the case of Good Samaritans who face prison time for saving the lives of several undocumented immigrants.
A quick rundown (with photos and links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending August 4th, 2006. Includes discussion of the U.N. Human Rights Committee's response to the U.S. shadow report, the FDA's upcoming decision on emergency contraception, and the case of Good Samaritans who face prison time for saving the lives of several undocumented immigrants.
Civil Liberties News Stories of the Week - July 28, 2006 Edition
A quick rundown (with links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending July 28th, 2006. Includes discussion of the Bush administration's attempt to seek immunity from the War Crimes Act and its plan to radically expand enemy combatant status, as well as one U.S. town's assault on all Latino immigrants.
A quick rundown (with links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending July 28th, 2006. Includes discussion of the Bush administration's attempt to seek immunity from the War Crimes Act and its plan to radically expand enemy combatant status, as well as one U.S. town's assault on all Latino immigrants.
Civil Liberties News Stories of the Week - July 21, 2006 Edition
A quick rundown (with links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending July 14th, 2006. Includes discussion of the U.S. Senate's renewal of the Voting Rights Act, FEMA obstruction of press access to Katrina survivors, and a new shadow report documenting U.S. human rights abuses against women.
A quick rundown (with links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending July 14th, 2006. Includes discussion of the U.S. Senate's renewal of the Voting Rights Act, FEMA obstruction of press access to Katrina survivors, and a new shadow report documenting U.S. human rights abuses against women.
Top 10 Civil Liberties News Stories of the Week - July 14, 2006 Edition
A quick rundown (with links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending July 14th, 2006. Includes discussion of the Bush administration's concession to Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (2006), the U.S. House's renewal of the Voting Rights Act, and the New York Supreme Court's ruling against same-sex marriage.
A quick rundown (with links) of the top 10 U.S. civil liberties news stories for the week ending July 14th, 2006. Includes discussion of the Bush administration's concession to Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (2006), the U.S. House's renewal of the Voting Rights Act, and the New York Supreme Court's ruling against same-sex marriage.
Civil Liberties Violations That Helped Cause the American Revolution
A look at the ten British civil liberties violations that helped cause the American Revolution.
A look at the ten British civil liberties violations that helped cause the American Revolution.
Civil Liberties Violations That Helped Cause the American Revolution
A look at the ten British civil liberties violations that helped cause the American Revolution.
A look at the ten British civil liberties violations that helped cause the American Revolution.
Books on Civil Liberties
Ten recent books on civil liberties issues, reviewed by Atheism and Agnosticism Guide Austin Cline.
Ten recent books on civil liberties issues, reviewed by Atheism and Agnosticism Guide Austin Cline.
How to Become a Civil Liberties Activist - Get Active!
If you're interested in doing more to defend American civil liberties, such as sign petitions, join civil liberties organizations, and volunteer, here are some suggestions.
If you're interested in doing more to defend American civil liberties, such as sign petitions, join civil liberties organizations, and volunteer, here are some suggestions.
Civil Liberties Organizations - Groups Protecting Human Rights
Ten organizations that focus on civil rights and civil liberties issues.
Ten organizations that focus on civil rights and civil liberties issues.
Constitutional Interpretation - Introduction to Terms
About.com Conservative Politics Guide Amy Hess provides an introduction to the four most prominent schools of constitutional interpretation.
About.com Conservative Politics Guide Amy Hess provides an introduction to the four most prominent schools of constitutional interpretation.
The Bill of Rights - Amendments to the U.S. Constitution
The Bill of Rights, as we call the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, is the centerpiece of the civil liberties debate in the United States.
The Bill of Rights, as we call the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, is the centerpiece of the civil liberties debate in the United States.
Civil Liberties 101 - Frequently Asked Questions About Your Rights
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about civil rights and civil liberties. Part one addresses the meaning of the term "civil liberties," why civil liberties are important, and why even people who don't stand to get arrested anytime soon should care about them.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about civil rights and civil liberties. Part one addresses the meaning of the term "civil liberties," why civil liberties are important, and why even people who don't stand to get arrested anytime soon should care about them.
Urban Legends About Civil Liberties
Looking for urban legends about civil liberties, including Madalyn Murray O'Hair and the FCC, black voting rights expire in 2007, ACLU against crosses on federal property and Marines praying, draft reinstatement, 47 years in prison for public Bible reading, Janet Reno defines Christians as cultists, shamrocks banned in Boston, adultery trial of Amina Lawal, and the EPA using poor children as guinea pigs for a pesticide trial?
Looking for urban legends about civil liberties, including Madalyn Murray O'Hair and the FCC, black voting rights expire in 2007, ACLU against crosses on federal property and Marines praying, draft reinstatement, 47 years in prison for public Bible reading, Janet Reno defines Christians as cultists, shamrocks banned in Boston, adultery trial of Amina Lawal, and the EPA using poor children as guinea pigs for a pesticide trial?
Civil Liberties News Sources
Looking for news sources and news aggregators on civil liberties issues? Click here for the ACLU Newsroom, Oneworld.net, Women's eNews, and more, including news sources on women's rights, lesbian and gay rights, gun control and the Second Amendment, privacy rights, the war on terror, the war on drugs and drug policy, and more.
Looking for news sources and news aggregators on civil liberties issues? Click here for the ACLU Newsroom, Oneworld.net, Women's eNews, and more, including news sources on women's rights, lesbian and gay rights, gun control and the Second Amendment, privacy rights, the war on terror, the war on drugs and drug policy, and more.
What Kind of Libertarian Are You?
Looking for information on different types of libertarianism, including anarcho-capitalism, classical liberalism, fiscal libertarianism, geolibertarianism, left-libertarianism, libertarian socialism, minarchism, neolibertarianism, Objectivism, and paleolibertarianism? You've come to the right place!
Looking for information on different types of libertarianism, including anarcho-capitalism, classical liberalism, fiscal libertarianism, geolibertarianism, left-libertarianism, libertarian socialism, minarchism, neolibertarianism, Objectivism, and paleolibertarianism? You've come to the right place!