CIVIL LIBERTY

civil liberty.(usu. pl.) Freedom from undue governmental interference or restraint. • This term usu. refers to freedom of speech or religion. In American law, early civil liberties were promulgated in the Lawes and Libertyes of Massachusetts (1648) and the Bill of Rights (1791). In English law, examples are found in Magna Carta (1215), the Petition of Right (1628), and the Bill of Rights (1689). — Also termed civil right. [Cases: Civil Rights  1027. C.J.S. Civil Rights §§ 4–5, 8, 13.] CIVIL LIST civil list.An annual sum granted by Parliament for the expenses of the royal household. [Blacks Law 8th]