Reference no: EM132675119
Thread 1
Reflect: As you learned in this week's readings, many constitutional scholars consider the prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures as one of the most basic freedoms that the Bill of Rights clearly protects. This central freedom supports and protects other essential freedoms, like free speech, press, assembly, and religion. Recently, this core freedom has become a very controversial debate topic as large American cities, like New York City, have instituted police procedures described as "stop and frisk." In these cities, when a police officer has reason to believe that a person is armed there is a set protocols for police officers that they must accomplish in order to determine if the suspected individual is a threat to public safety. For example, officers can make stops based on suspicious activities and frisk individuals for weapons. Courts have found this to be within the boundaries of the Fourth Amendment until just recently.
Describe one argument that supports "stop and frisk" policies.
Describe one argument that opposes "stop and frisk" policies.
Explain which argument is the most constitutionally sound. Why?
Provide real-world examples to support your answers. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.
Thread 2.
Reflect: Every American accused of a crime that could result in loss of life, liberty, and properly has the right to fair treatment or due process. One of the most divisive aspects of due process is capital punishment and the prevention of cruel and unusual punishment to those convicted fairly of crimes. Specifically, the Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, and the ongoing debate revolves around if the death penalty is or is not considered cruel and unusual punishment.
Describe one argument that supports the death penalty.
Describe one argument that opposes the death penalty.
Explain which argument is the most credible, reliable, and valid. Why?