What's the difference between Civil Rights and Civil Liberties?

By tascerUSA  

I'm currently taking a politics class and am completely puzzled by this question. There are two chapters that I have read so far, one on civil rights and one on civil liberties but I still cannot distinguish the difference between the two. Can anyone explain it in simplistic terms with examples? Thanks!

Civil Rights are rights that we have that if in any case they are denied, the government is forced to take positive action. (example: discriminated against when you apply for a job)
civil liberties are rights the we have in which the government is restricted from interfering. (example: freedom of speech)

Has the American curtailing of civil liberties spilled over into Canada?

Filed in: civil liberties

3 Responses to “What's the difference between Civil Rights and Civil Liberties?”

  1. wmayers99 on June 9th, 2009 4:21 am

    In practice they are very nearly the same.
    References :

  2. Morpheus on June 9th, 2009 4:47 am

    Could it be that rights are bestowed by god or nature and liberties are bestowed by men???? Otherwise I couldn't imagine what the difference is either.
    References :

  3. DRZMVP on June 9th, 2009 4:52 am

    Civil Rights are rights that we have that if in any case they are denied, the government is forced to take positive action. (example: discriminated against when you apply for a job)
    Civil Liberties are rights the we have in which the government is restricted from interfering. (example: freedom of speech)
    References :
    majored in criminal Justice/NYPD Police Officer