AP U.S. Government and Politics / Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
3.6 Amendments: Balancing Individual Freedom with Public Order and Safety
Notes
Courts balance liberties against government interests (national security, safety), using tests like strict scrutiny.
- Examples: school searches, speech limits, security measures after 9/11.
Practice
When a law limits a fundamental right, courts often apply:
Compelling interest required.
Searches of student lockers with reasonable suspicion show:
New Jersey v. T.L.O.
Government restrictions on liberties must usually be:
Limits on limits.
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