Lib er ty in the U.S. Constitution: What It Means and How the Supreme Court Interprets It
The term "liberty or lib er ty" is a central concept in American constitutional law, prominently featured in the due process clauses of both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. In this context, liberty goes beyond mere physical freedom, encompassing the broader principle of protection from arbitrary and unreasonable restraints on individual actions and choices. It signifies the freedom to act according to one’s own will, including the ability to make personal decisions without undue governmental interference.
U.S. liberty interpretations
The U.S. Supreme Court has provided detailed interpretations of liberty, expanding its scope beyond physical restraint. In Meyer v. Nebraska (1923), the Court articulated that liberty includes not only freedom from bodily restraint but also the right to engage in various life activities such as contracting, working in common occupations, acquiring knowledge, marrying, and raising children. This case emphasized that liberty encompasses a range of personal freedoms essential for the pursuit of happiness.
In Bolling v. Sharpe (1954), the Court extended the definition of liberty to include the full range of individual conduct not limited to physical restraint. The ruling clarified that any restriction on personal freedoms must be justified by a legitimate governmental objective, thus reinforcing the protection of individual liberties against arbitrary limitations.
Ingraham v. Wright (1977) affirmed that liberty also includes protection from unjustified punishment and intrusions on personal security. The Court highlighted the right to be free from unreasonable bodily restraint and the availability of judicial remedies for violations of personal security, illustrating that liberty encompasses protection against both physical and emotional harm.
The concept of liberty, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, provides a robust framework for safeguarding personal freedoms. It ensures that individuals are protected from arbitrary governmental actions and are free to make personal choices, contributing to the fundamental rights and freedoms that define American democracy.