Bill of Rights

Meaning of Equal Protection of the Laws

Rights of individuals to have access to courts and laws with equal treatment from both. Equal protection of the law is similar to the right to due process of law, but specifically applies to fairness through equal treatment.

Freedom of expression

Freedom of speech is the political right to communicate one's opinions and ideas via speech. The term freedom of expression is sometimes used synonymously, but includes any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used. In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations, as with libel, slander, obscenity and incitement to commit a crime.

Legal controls and freedom of expression

I. Four Models of Speech and Expression A. Authoritarian 1. View that general public needs guidance B. State or Communist 2. State-run media (not private) C. Libertarian 3. No restrictions on mass media or freedom of speech D. Social responsibility 4. Some restriction

Legal controls and freedom of expression

Prior Restraint A. Government cannot block publication or speech before it actually occurs. B. Pentagon Papers C. The Progressive 1. National security as a cause for restraint 2. Article offered how-to H-bomb guide.

Legal controls and freedom of expression

Copyright A. Legally protects the rights of authors and producers of their published or unpublished writing, music, lyrics, TV programs, movies, or graphic art designs. B. Digital Millennium Act of 1998: 1. Outlaws technology that will circumvent copyright protection systems.

Legal controls and freedom of expression

Libel and Slander A. Biggest worry that haunts editors B. slander 1. Spoken language that defames someone C. Libel is 1. Falsely accusing (a) person(s) of: a) Mental illness or defect b) Crime c) Incompetence d) Associating with hate groups

Legal controls and freedom of expression

Right to Privacy A. Privacy is the right to be left alone B. Invasion of Privacy 1. Unauthorized intrusion a)Tapes b) Wiretaps 2. Publication of private matters 3. Using a persons name or image for commercial benefit C. Most journalism organizations use their own guidelines.

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of religion is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or not to follow any religion.

Freedom of Religion

The freedom to leave or discontinue membership in a religion or religious group in religious terms called "apostasy" is also a fundamental part of religious freedom, covered by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Freedom of religion is considered by many people and nations to be a fundamental human right.

Fundamental Freedoms:

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms that are protected from government violation.

Are rights unlimited? Civil Liberties vs. good of the public

The 14th Amendment

14th Amendments Due Process Clause No State shall. Deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law..

This clause has been used to apply the Constitutional protections of the Bill of Rights to the States.

Freedom of Religion

Establishment Clause: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.

A wall of separation between church and state?

How would you describe the wall?