Freedom Of Information Legal Terms and Legal Words. Constitutional Law & Civil Rights Terminology

bill of rights

The first ten amendments to the federal Constitution demanded by several states in return for ratifying the Constitution, since the failure to protect these rights was a glaring omission in the Constitution as adopted in convention in 1787. Adopted and ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights are: First: Prohibits laws establishing a religion (separation … Full Definition »

Law topic: Freedom Of Information << Legal issue: Constitutional Law & Civil Rights

civil rights

Those rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, the 13th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution, including the right to due process, equal treatment under the law of all people regarding enjoyment of life, liberty, property, and protection. Positive civil rights include the right to vote, the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a democratic society, such … Full Definition »

Law topic: Freedom Of Information << Legal issue: Constitutional Law & Civil Rights

equal opportunity

A right supposedly guaranteed by both federal and many state laws against any discrimination in employment, education, housing or credit rights due to a person's race, color, sex (or sometimes sexual orientation), religion, national origin, age or handicap. A person who believes he/she has not been granted equal opportunity or has been outright sexually … Full Definition »

Law topic: Freedom Of Information << Legal issue: Constitutional Law & Civil Rights