Reference no: EM133584968
Assignment:
1. The right against self-incrimination, under the Fifth Amendment, states that no criminal defendant shall be compelled to take the witness stand and give evidence against himself or herself. Once a suspect is arrested, the Miranda warning must be given before he or she is interrogated for any offense, be it a felony or a misdemeanor. What issues can arise with the presentation of Miranda rights? Why do you think these issues can occur? How can we combat these issues?
2. The police may search incident to lawful arrest and do not need a search warrant for items that are seen in plain view or when citizens give police consent. The police must, however, obtain a search warrant to search a suspect's cell phone or conduct a blood test. If you had to explain the reasoning for this, how would you go about it? (aka, why do we need a warrant for cell phone or blood tests, but not plain view stuff?) In addition, how does this apply to a breathalyzer test? Should you need a warrant to issue one? Why or why not?
3. Police officers must obtain a warrant when making a felony arrest, unless exigent circumstances are present (immediate action being required) and the officer possesses probable cause to make the arrest. Define exigent circumstances, and probable cause. What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion? Overall, what are your opinions on how these terms are defined? Should they be changed, altered, etc?