Should Civil Liberties Be Restricted Essay

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It may be argued that an infringement on one's civil liberties is indeed a restriction on certain rights that a person may have previously been able to enjoy freely without limitations. A Civil liberty can be defined as a freedom of action and speech subject to laws established for the good of the community. Such basic civil liberties include the first five amendments stating the freedom that all citizens have in the United States. It may be argued that the Terrorism Act has interfered with such rights. However, it may be debated that in order to preserve the safety and well-being of the public at large, such infringements may be justifiable. It must be explored as to whether this is the case as well as identifying other recognisable factors…show more content…
However, any restriction placed upon civil liberties must be proportionate to the threat. If there are disproportionate measures put in place, it may be questioned as to whether, they can be legally sanctioned. One of the most fundamental rights of major concern is that of ”freedom of speech.” This right, following the atrocity of 9/11 is perhaps used more restrictively. A person may fear that their speech may lead to investigation if it is seen to be threatening or anti-governmental in its nature, as it may be classed as being associated with the idea of a terrorist. Arguably, under the Terrorism Act it was made possible for the police to stop and search persons if there was belief that they were likely to be involved in some sort of terrorist activities. Prior to the implementation of this section, the police could only stop and search individuals if they had reasonable grounds for suspicion and certain criteria were met. This specific section of the act makes the issue of suspicion irrelevant with regards to carrying out searches. There is also the argument that the stop and search policy has led to racial profiling. In carrying out such searches, the act suggests that officers must take particular care not to discriminate against members of minority ethnic groups in the exercise of these powers.Consequently,
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