lip. 1  Anatomy a. Either of two fleshy structures that surround the opening of the mouth in humans and other mammals. b. In humans, the smooth brownish to reddish border of the lip. 2  A structure or part that encircles or bounds an orifice, as: a. Anatomy A labium. b. The margin of flesh around a wound. c.
Civil liberties concern basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed -- either explicitly identified in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, or interpreted through the years by courts and lawmakers. Civil liberties include: 1  Freedom of speech. 2  The right to privacy. 3  The right to be free from unreasonable searches of your home. 4  The right to a fair court trial.
This article takes a closer look at both civil rights and civil liberties to make a clearer understanding of the two concepts. Of the two, civil liberties are older, and were included as Bill of Rights in the constitution, when the citizens of US refused to ratify the constitution unless they were granted certain rights and they were incorporated in the constitution.