Final answer:
Civil liberties in the United States are defined by the Bill of Rights, which includes freedoms such as speech, religion, press, assembly, and protections such as due process and against cruel and unusual punishment. The Fourteenth Amendment extends these protections to apply to state governments as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Civil Liberties and the Bill of Rights
Civil liberties are the fundamental rights and freedoms that are protected from infringement by the government. In the United States, these liberties are primarily defined by the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments set limits on the national government's power and ensure that certain individual freedoms are upheld. Notable civil liberties include:
- Freedom of speech and press (1st Amendment)
- Freedom of religion and assembly (1st Amendment)
- Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures (4th Amendment)
- Due process rights and protection against self-incrimination (5th Amendment)
- Right to a speedy and public trial (6th Amendment)
- Protection against cruel and unusual punishment (8th Amendment)
These rights are considered essential for a free society and have been defended and interpreted through countless court decisions over the years, with the Fourteenth Amendment further ensuring that state governments also respect these individual freedoms.