Expert: Michael Troy - 3/19/2005

Question
Hi
I am doing research on Civil Liberty and need you help, can you please tell me In your opinion what is civil liberty and when a person have a right to hire a attorney.
Thanks


Answer
Hi there,

"Civil liberty" is basically just a term which means the freedoms that are available for you in your society.  Some societies offer many freedoms while others do not.  In my view, there are certain fundamental liberties that any good society should offer.  These include the right to think and express you own ideas, the right to believe whatever religious beliefs you want, equal treatment under the law, the right to due process if accused of a crime, and the right to be secure in your home and with your property.

There are, of course, many other civil liberties, many of which are parts of the ones I have listed above.  For example, I consider the right to hire an attorney to be a part of the right to due process.  You have a right to receive help in facing the complex legal processes that may let the goverment deprive you of life liberty or property.  It the US, as in most countries any person is free to hire an attorney at any time.  Of course, in most cases you need to have the money to pay the attorney.

There are some occasions when government has asserted the authority to hold hearings without attorneys present or to deny attorneys access to their clients.  These are usually in terrorism or other natonal security cases.  Personally, I think this is wrong, but it happens.

I hope this helps!
- Mike