Civil Liberties

This book traces the origins of the term civil liberties, unpicking itsvarious layers of meaning and explaining what it has come to mean today. Geartyargues that the protection of civil liberties is a vital front in the struggleto preserve political freedom and that a proper understanding of and commitmentto civil liberties has never been more important. Civil Liberties provides afresh, clear, and stimulating approach to civil liberties by tying the law andpractice of the subject firmly to democratic and political rights. The authorexamines the key civil liberties of our democratic age: the right to vote; therights to life, liberty and security of the person; the freedoms of thought,conscience, expression, association and assembly; the prohibition on torture andinhuman and degrading treatment; and discusses the contemporary challenges thatcivil liberties face, including globalisation and the war on terror

Conor Gearty is Rausing Director of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights and Professor of Human Rights Law at LSE. He has published widely on terrorism, civil liberties and human rights. He is also a barrister and was a founder member of Matrix chambers from where he continues to practice. He has been a frequent adviser to judges, practitioners and public authorities on the implications of the UK Human Rights Act, and has frequently lectured at home and abroad on the topic of human rights. He has appeared in human rights cases in the House of Lords, the Court of Appeal and the High Court.

Part I: Foundations:1. Introduction: the centrality and importance of civil liberties2. Theoretical underpinnings3. Historical contextPart II: Protecting civil liberties in a democratic state4. The right to vote5. Life, liberty and security of the person (including the prohibition of torture)6. The freedoms of thought, conscience, expression, association and assembly: the right to a political life7. Freedom of informationPart III: Contemporary challenges8. National security and civil liberties9. Civil liberties beyond the nation state: the EU10. Civil liberties in a global agePart IV: Conclusion11. Renewing civil liberties