Infringe

Definition

To infringe means to violate or encroach upon the rights, freedoms, or boundaries of others. In the context of democracy, it relates to the protection of individual liberties and the limits on government power. A core ideal of democracy is the respect for personal freedoms, and any infringement upon these freedoms can lead to tensions between authority and individual rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Infringement can occur at various levels, including laws that restrict free speech or practices that limit individual rights.
2. The First Amendment is crucial in protecting against infringement of freedoms like speech, religion, and assembly.
3. Court cases often address issues of infringement, helping define the balance between government authority and individual rights.
4. Infringement can lead to civil unrest or legal challenges when citizens feel their rights are being compromised.
5. Understanding what constitutes infringement is essential for maintaining the ideals of democracy and ensuring government accountability.

Review Questions

• How does infringement on individual rights challenge the principles of democracy?
  • Infringement on individual rights directly challenges democratic principles by undermining the foundation of personal liberties that democracy seeks to protect. When governments impose restrictions or violations on freedoms such as speech or assembly, they erode public trust and create a climate of fear. This can lead to societal unrest as citizens push back against perceived injustices, threatening the stability and legitimacy of democratic governance.
• What role do the courts play in addressing issues of infringement in a democratic society?
  • The courts play a critical role in addressing infringement by interpreting laws and protecting individual rights against government overreach. Through judicial review, courts can strike down laws or actions that violate constitutional protections, ensuring that democracy remains intact. Landmark cases often set precedents that clarify what constitutes infringement, providing guidance for both lawmakers and citizens in upholding democratic ideals.
• Evaluate the impact of historical examples where government actions have infringed upon civil liberties and how these instances shaped current understandings of rights.
  • Historical examples like the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II or the McCarthy era's suppression of political dissent illustrate how government actions can infringe upon civil liberties, leading to significant public backlash and legal reforms. These instances have shaped current understandings by emphasizing the need for robust protections against governmental abuses. As a result, there has been increased vigilance among citizens and advocacy groups to ensure that similar infringements do not occur in the future, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding individual rights within a democratic framework.

Related terms

Civil Liberties:

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected by law from government interference, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Due Process:

Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system.

Constitutional Rights: Rights afforded to individuals by the Constitution, which serve as a framework to protect citizens from government infringement.