Kent v. Dulles

Definition

Kent v. Dulles (1958) is a landmark United States Supreme Court case that ruled the government cannot use the issuance of passports to restrict an individual's right to travel abroad based on their political beliefs or affiliations. This decision reinforced the principle that freedom of movement is a fundamental right under the U.S. Constitution.

Related terms

Freedom of Movement: The right of an individual to travel from place to place within a country and leave and return to that country.

Passport: An official document issued by a government certifying the holder's identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection abroad.

Civil Liberties: Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals as protection from any arbitrary actions or other interference by the government without due process