Expert: Michael Troy - 5/27/2003

Question
What is the differnce between civil rights and civil liberties?

Answer
Hi Ruth,

The two terms are usually used interchangably. They both refer to certain authority granted to you by the government through the Constitution or laws. In common usage, civil liberties is usually limited to freedom of action which cannot be stopped by the government. For example the rights of free speech or free exercise of religion are commonly called "civil liberties."

The term "civil rights" includes all these things but also includes rights against other private citizens, such as the right to be hired and not fired by a private company because of your race, sex, or religion. It is also used to refer to entitlements such as a right to a welfare check if you are below a certain income or to Medicare services if you are over 65 years old.

I hope this helps!
- Mike