Individual Liberties

Individual Liberties – Individuals possess rights to life, liberty, property, and freedom from the restrictions of arbitrary force. They exercise these rights through the use of their natural free will.

› Laws tend to restrict free exercise of liberty and property. Consequently, no law should be passed unless there is a compelling reason to do so. The proponents of any law should have the burden of proof that passage is necessary.

› The rights of an individual should include, but not be limited to, those rights guaranteed in the Constitutions and Bill of Rights of the United States and each State Constitution. They should also include those God-given rights of freedom, not specified in any written document, which necessarily exist in a nation where the individual is more important than the state. Conversely, these rights should not negate the responsibility of the individual’s obligation to conduct himself as a responsible and productive member of society.

› All citizens are entitled to security of their persons and property. Government’s primary task is the maintenance of law and order to ensure these rights are protected. Accordingly, the system of justice must afford each person access to competent representation and a level playing field to ensure the imperatives of justice can be met.