CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

INTRODUCTION TO THE LEGAL BLOCKS

1.

a. The persons involved

1) Criminal – state vs. person

2) Civil – person vs. person

b. The actions that get one involved

1) Crime

2) Tort

c. The level of information required to find responsible

1) Proof beyond reasonable doubt

2) Preponderance of evidence

d. The potential penalties

1) Money – prison, death

2) Money

2.

a. The first ten amendments

b. The amendments protect people’s civil rights

c. 4^th – protect against unreasonable searches and seizures

d. 5^th – suspect doesn’t have to be a witness against himself; has a right of due process

e. 6^th – Right to speedy and public trial with impartial jury

Right to counsel

3.

a. Made Bill of Rights applicable to states, the state cannot abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens

b. every citizen will be treated fairly and equally by federal and state government

c. will not deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law

4.

A. Legislative, Executive, Judicial

1. Legislative

a) Senators and Representatives

b) Make laws

B. Executive – You are a member of the executive branch

1. President, governor, armed forces, FBI, police

2. Enforces laws

C. Judicial

1. Judges

2. Interprets and applies laws

5.

a. Common law concept which states the theory behind the exclusionary rule, that is – if a right exists but there is no remedy for that right, then for all practical purposes, that right means nothing.

b. The Exclusionary Rule is the remedy for violation of the fourth, fifth and sixth amendment rights.