Excessive force by police officers occurs when someone with a badge uses more physical power than necessary to control a situation or apprehend a suspect. This issue is partially responsible for the rise in debates about law enforcement practices and the need for...
Civil Liberties
Report identifies housing rights violations across New York
New York Governor Kathy Hochul released a report showing how New York State is grappling with housing practices that the Civil Rights Fair Housing Act prohibits, including redlining. The authors of the report based their findings on community surveys that they...
Were your civil rights violated during your criminal trial?
In the United States, every person charged with a crime has specific civil rights. The Constitution protects these rights, which ensure fair treatment throughout the criminal trial. Violations of these rights can significantly impact the case. It is essential to...
The Supreme Court limits civil rights in criminal cases
In a ruling in 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court made some changes to the rights of individuals in criminal situations. When officers place someone under arrest, they have a legal obligation to read them their Miranda rights. Miranda rights inform about the civil rights a...
What are civil rights?
When dealing with law enforcement, you have to be aware of your civil rights. It is your duty to ensure officers do not violate your rights. They will try anything to get you to confess or admit your guilt, and while it may not be legal, it is your job to be aware of...
What is the difference between defamation and libel?
Defamation and libel both involve someone spreading false information about you that damages your reputation. All libel is defamation, but all defamation is not libel. Defamation is the overall category of this type of crime, and libel is a type of defamation....
What are the limits of the free speech?
The United States Constitution protects citizens' abilities to express themselves freely. However, this right is not absolute. The First Amendment does not cover certain types of speech, and such expressions can lead to criminal consequences. Before a person claims...
What can the police search during a traffic stop?
When the police pull your car over, you have certain rights that the police, by law, cannot infringe upon. The U.S. Constitution provides the precedent for most of these rights, including what the police can search. A police stop is stressful enough, but when an...
Can you sue a police officer for not reading your Miranda rights?
If you are a suspect in criminal activity, a member of law enforcement is likely to want to hear your side of the story. Often, though, police interrogations are more about gathering evidence to use against you than seeking the truth. To protect your fundamental...
Understanding your civil liberties
As an American, you have specific rights. Some of these rights fall under the term 'civil rights,' while others fall under the term 'civil liberties.' These rights come from the United States Constitution, and they apply to any person, including adults, children,...