Civil liberties

Civil liberties are protections from the power of governments. Examples include the right to life, the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. These are usually guaranteed and protected by a constitution or by adherence to an international treaty. In many places there are disputes over certain liberties, regarding the question of whether they can be considered civil liberties at all, and, if so, whether they should be protected. Examples include reproductive rights, the right of gay marriage, and the right of narcotic possession.

Related Topics:
Government - Right to life - Privacy - Right to a fair trial - Freedom of speech - Freedom of assembly - Constitution - Treaty - Reproductive rights - Gay marriage - Narcotic possession

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Most western democracies (as well as many other countries) have constitutions and public policies that protect civil liberties. The following sections of this article present a few examples.

Related Topics:
Democracies - Constitution - Public policies

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