What is the difference between "civil rights" and "civil liberties"?

Civil rights and civil liberties represent distinct concepts in the realm of constitutional law. The selected answer highlights this difference accurately. Civil rights are primarily concerned with the right to be treated equally and to have one’s political and social freedoms respected. These rights are often aimed at ensuring that individuals, regardless of their background or identity, have equal access to opportunities and protections under the law. On the other hand, civil liberties refer to the basic freedoms guaranteed to individuals, primarily by the constitution, which protect citizens from government overreach. These include freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, which safeguard individuals' rights to act and make personal decisions without undue interference from the government.

This distinction is crucial in understanding how laws and regulations are applied. Civil rights can indeed be legislated through various acts and amendments designed to promote equality, while civil liberties are inherent protections enshrined in legal frameworks like the Bill of Rights. This sets up a fundamental understanding of how the legal system is structured to protect individual freedoms and promote equality in society.