The "privileges or immunities" of citizens of the United States encompass a range of fundamental rights that are intended to be protected from state infringement. While the exact scope of these privileges has been debated and defined over time, they generally include:
1. **Right to Travel**: The ability to move freely between states without undue restrictions.
2. **Right to Vote**: Participation in elections and political processes.
3. **Right to Own Property**: The ability to acquire, use, and dispose of property.
4. **Right to Contract**: Freedom to enter into contracts and engage in business.
5. **Access to the Courts**: The ability to seek legal recourse and have a fair trial.
6. **Protection of Basic Rights**: This can include rights related to personal liberty, such as the right to free speech and assembly.
7. **Equal Protection**: The assurance that individuals are treated equally under the law.
The interpretation of these privileges has been shaped by various Supreme Court decisions, and while some rights are explicitly mentioned in other parts of the Constitution (like the Bill of Rights), the Privileges or Immunities Clause serves as a broader protection against state actions that may infringe upon these rights.
