Intimate Relationships

Definition

In the context of US Government, intimate relationships refer to personal and private relationships between individuals that are protected by certain constitutional rights, such as the right to privacy.

Analogy

Think of intimate relationships like a diary. Just as you wouldn't want someone reading your personal thoughts in your diary without permission, the government also respects and protects the privacy of intimate relationships.

Related terms

Right to Privacy: This is an individual's legal right to keep their personal matters and relationships away from public scrutiny or governmental interference.

Fourteenth Amendment: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that guarantees equal protection under law and due process, which has been interpreted by courts to include a general right to privacy in certain areas or activities.

Substantive Due Process: A principle allowing courts to protect certain fundamental rights from government interference, even if procedural protections are present.