How are civil liberties generally defined in relation to law enforcement?

Civil liberties are generally defined as personal freedoms protected from government infringement, which includes protections against unlawful interference by the state. This concept is rooted in constitutional rights that safeguard individual freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and due process. These protections ensure that individuals can exercise their rights without excessive interference from law enforcement and government authorities.

For example, the First Amendment grants citizens the right to express their opinions freely, and law enforcement agencies are restricted from unduly censoring or infringing upon that right. Additionally, the Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, meaning law enforcement must have probable cause and, in many cases, a warrant to conduct searches.

This understanding of civil liberties highlights the balance between maintaining public safety through law enforcement actions and protecting individual rights, ensuring that government powers are not abused or used to oppress citizens.