Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Liberties refer to individual freedoms protected by law or custom within a society. They include various aspects such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, press, privacy rights, and due process.
Related terms
Freedom of Expression: Freedom of expression is the right for individuals to express their opinions freely through speech, press, or other means without fear of government censorship or persecution.
Privacy Rights: Privacy rights protect individuals' personal information from unauthorized access and ensure that individuals have the right to control how their information is collected, used, and shared by others.
Due process refers to the legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person. It ensures fair treatment, including notice of charges, a fair trial, and protection against arbitrary actions by authorities.