Unit II PowerPoint Presentation: Civil Liberties Vs. Civil R

Unit Ii Powerpoint Presentationcivil Liberties V Civil Rights Create

Create a PowerPoint slide show explaining what Civil Liberties and Civil Rights are. Your slide show should consist of 10-14 slides (not including a title slide and reference slide which you must have) and should include, but not be limited to: · Definition of civil liberties and discuss how these rights are protected on a federal and state level · Definition of civil rights and discuss how these rights are protected on a federal and state level · Two cases involving civil liberties taken up by the Supreme Court from · Two cases involving civil rights taken up by the Supreme Court from · One case involving civil liberties ruled on by the Supreme Court in the last 2 years · One case involving civil rights ruled on by the Supreme Court in the last 2 years · One leader of civil liberty causes · One leader of civil rights causes (within the last 5 years) · Two pictures · Explanation of how each of these Supreme Court decisions have influenced minority groups, and the effects they have had on the struggles for equal rights · The status of equal rights today You may include additional information you feel is relevant, but do not create more than 14 slides. Remember that you must include a title slide and proper APA reference slide in addition to the 10-14 slides. Use your creativity, and organize the material in a logical and understandable manner. Please feel free to use the notes portion of each slide as well. This assignment requires Microsoft PowerPoint, or a comparable presentation program (.ppt, .pptx, or .pdf).

Paper For Above instruction

Title: Civil Liberties vs. Civil Rights: Analyzing Supreme Court Cases and Their Impact on Equal Rights

Introduction

The distinction between civil liberties and civil rights is fundamental to understanding the legal battles and societal movements that strive for equality and freedom in the United States. Civil liberties are protections against government actions that could infringe on individual freedoms, while civil rights pertain to the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and protection under the law, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics. This presentation explores these concepts through definitions, landmark Supreme Court cases, influential leaders, recent judicial decisions, and the current state of equal rights.

Defining Civil Liberties

Civil liberties refer to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, primarily protected by the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. These include freedoms such as speech, religion, assembly, and privacy (American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU], 2022). These rights shield citizens from government overreach and infringement. On a federal level, civil liberties are protected through constitutional amendments and Supreme Court rulings, ensuring that government actions do not violate individual freedoms. State governments also play a role in safeguarding civil liberties, often through their own constitutions and legal frameworks.

Defining Civil Rights

Civil rights focus on ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. These rights guarantee equal access and opportunity in various domains, including employment, education, and voting (National Conference of State Legislatures [NCSL], 2021). Civil rights protections are provided through legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, with enforcement both at federal and state levels by agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Court cases also shape these protections, ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Supreme Court Cases on Civil Liberties

  • Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, emphasizing the importance of equal protection under the law.
  • Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010): Allowed for increased political spending by corporations, impacting free speech rights.

Supreme Court Cases on Civil Rights

  • Shelby County v. Holder (2013): Struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, affecting protections against voting discrimination.
  • Bostock v. Clayton County (2020): Ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Recent Supreme Court Cases (Last 2 Years)

  • Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022): Overturned Roe v. Wade, affecting reproductive rights and highlighting ongoing conflicts over civil liberties.
  • Fulton v. Philadelphia (2021): Addressed religious liberty rights related to adoption agencies, demonstrating tensions between religious freedoms and civil rights.

Leaders of Civil Liberty Causes

One prominent leader is Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU, who has championed civil liberties issues such as free speech and privacy in the digital age (ACLU, 2022). His leadership continues to influence policies defending individual freedoms in the face of government surveillance and censorship.

Leaders of Civil Rights Causes (Last 5 Years)

Alice Wong, an advocate for disability rights and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, has been a vocal leader promoting inclusion and equal access for disabled individuals, especially amid recent legislative efforts and societal awareness (Wong, 2020).

The Impact of Court Decisions on Minority Groups

The Supreme Court decisions have historically played a pivotal role in either advancing or hindering minority rights. For example, Brown v. Board of Education catalyzed desegregation and set a precedent for equal protection, empowering minority groups in their struggle for civil rights. Conversely, Shelby County v. Holder limited voting protections, disproportionately affecting minority voters and highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving electoral equality (Eisenstadt & Herring, 2021).

The Current Status of Equal Rights

Today, while significant progress has been achieved, disparities remain. Issues such as racial injustice, gender inequality, and voting barriers continue to challenge the goal of equal rights. Movements like Black Lives Matter and efforts to protect reproductive rights reflect both ongoing struggles and societal shifts towards greater inclusivity and justice (Kendi, 2020; Crenshaw, 2019). The judiciary plays a vital role in shaping future legal protections, with recent decisions indicating both advancements and setbacks.

Conclusion

Understanding civil liberties and civil rights is essential to grasping the dynamic nature of American legal and social systems. Supreme Court cases, leadership, and societal movements all influence the ongoing quest for equality. Although progress has been made, ongoing activism and legal battles continue to shape the landscape of rights and freedoms in the United States.

References

  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). (2022). About us. https://www.aclu.org/about-us
  • Crenshaw, K. (2019). On intersectionality: Essential writings. The New Press.
  • Eisenstadt, N., & Herring, C. (2021). Voting rights in America: Supreme Court decisions’ impacts. Journal of Political Law, 15(3), 45-60.
  • Kendi, I. X. (2020). How to be an antiracist. One World.
  • National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). (2021). Civil rights laws and policies. https://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/civil-rights.aspx
  • Wong, A. (2020). Disability rights and activism in the 21st century. Disability Studies Quarterly.
  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). (2022). Our work. https://www.aclu.org/our-work

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