What distinguishes civil liberties from civil rights?

The distinction between civil liberties and civil rights is fundamentally rooted in their nature and origin. Civil liberties are indeed seen as inherent to all individuals by virtue of being human. These rights, which typically include freedom of speech, religion, and the press, are designed to protect individuals from government overreach and are often enshrined in the Constitution or Bill of Rights. They are meant to ensure that every individual has certain freedoms that cannot be infringed upon by the state without due process.

On the other hand, civil rights encompass the rights that protect individuals from discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law, often in the context of group identities such as race, gender, or sexual orientation. Civil rights can be granted, modified, or revoked through legislation or social change, highlighting their condition as granted rights rather than inherent ones.

This understanding clarifies why civil liberties are inherent from birth, while civil rights are policies and protections that may change over time depending on societal norms and legal frameworks. This distinction is crucial for grasping the broader concepts within the framework of American law and societal standards.