Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business, and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.

This insightful Advanced Introduction provides a kaleidoscopic overview of key US civil liberties, including freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion, limitations on search and seizure, due process in criminal proceedings, autonomy rights, rights of equality, and democratic participation.

Key Features:

• Discusses the historical development and current status of core civil liberties
• Examines the tension between libertarian and egalitarian views of civil liberties
• Promotes further understanding of the role of the US Supreme Court and other actors in setting levels of protection for civil liberties
• Provides an overview of common themes in development and interpretation of constitutionally protected civil liberties in multiple areas, including abortion

Featuring examples of how key civil liberties have been shaped by historical, legal, and philosophical forces, this Advanced Introduction will be essential reading for students and scholars in American studies, history, human rights, law and politics, and political science.