Source: Executions are premeditated, calculated murder, September 15, 2010
http://newsok.com/executions-are-premeditated-calculated-homicide/article/3494878
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 8 - Cruel and Unusual Punishment
“Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”
Explanation of Connection:
Execution is cruel and unusual punishment. Lethal injection is a form of execution. But lethal injection is just intentionally poisoning someone for committing a crime. Lethal injection is inhumane and cruel and unusual.
This article demonstrates Amendment 8 of the United States Constitution. Lethal injection is an infringement of this amendment. There is not a humane way of killing someone. Lethal injection is just purposely killing someone as a punishment.
I think this amendment is not all that important to the Constitution. Sometimes execution is necessary. If the death penalty fits the crime the person has committed, I say so be it. Sometimes people deserve to die. Serial killers deserve the death penalty. If you kill multiple people, obviously you have a problem and need to die. So sometimes cruel and unusual is necessary.
Monday, September 20, 2010
AMENDMENT 6
Source: Man charged in UConn killing may seek speedy trial, September 17, 2010
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gHqGVNTo5aC2300i65qindJctwGgD9I9KF700
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses
“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.”
Explanation of Connection:
A man was charged for stabbing a University of Connecticut football player. The stabbing resulted in the player’s death. Now John Lomax and his attorney are going to request a trial date as soon as possible and possibly hear a plea offer.
This article demonstrates Amendment 6 of the United States Constitution. Lomax is demanding a speedy trial for the crime he is accused of. This amendment gives him the right to do that. Everyone is entitled to a trial for their crimes.
I think this amendment is very important to our government and society. Every person deserves a fair trial. People get wrongly accused of crimes all of the time. If they get a trial by an impartial jury of their peers, then possibly the wrongly accused will prove themselves innocent and the guilty will be proven guilty. Trials make prison sentences and punishments more civilized.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gHqGVNTo5aC2300i65qindJctwGgD9I9KF700
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses
“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.”
Explanation of Connection:
A man was charged for stabbing a University of Connecticut football player. The stabbing resulted in the player’s death. Now John Lomax and his attorney are going to request a trial date as soon as possible and possibly hear a plea offer.
This article demonstrates Amendment 6 of the United States Constitution. Lomax is demanding a speedy trial for the crime he is accused of. This amendment gives him the right to do that. Everyone is entitled to a trial for their crimes.
I think this amendment is very important to our government and society. Every person deserves a fair trial. People get wrongly accused of crimes all of the time. If they get a trial by an impartial jury of their peers, then possibly the wrongly accused will prove themselves innocent and the guilty will be proven guilty. Trials make prison sentences and punishments more civilized.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
AMENDMENT 5
Source: Aide to Gonzales Won’t Testify, March 27, 2007
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/26/AR2007032600935.html
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”
Explanation of Connection:
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales's senior counselor, Monica Goodling refuses to testify about her involvement in the firing of eight US attorneys. She does not want to testify because she believes that the Senate has drawn conclusions. They already believe that Goodling has done something wrong. She does not want to incriminate herself by testifying.
This article demonstrates Amendment 5 of the United States Constitution. Goodling is pleading the Fifth Amendment to remain silent on the issue. She has the right to not incriminate herself in the court of law.
I think that this is a great amendment to the Constitution. If a person knows they are guilty, they don’t have to tell the court that. Instead of lying, they don’t have to say anything at all. They can just let the courts prove that they are innocent or guilty. Sometimes we just need the right to be silent.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/26/AR2007032600935.html
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”
Explanation of Connection:
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales's senior counselor, Monica Goodling refuses to testify about her involvement in the firing of eight US attorneys. She does not want to testify because she believes that the Senate has drawn conclusions. They already believe that Goodling has done something wrong. She does not want to incriminate herself by testifying.
This article demonstrates Amendment 5 of the United States Constitution. Goodling is pleading the Fifth Amendment to remain silent on the issue. She has the right to not incriminate herself in the court of law.
I think that this is a great amendment to the Constitution. If a person knows they are guilty, they don’t have to tell the court that. Instead of lying, they don’t have to say anything at all. They can just let the courts prove that they are innocent or guilty. Sometimes we just need the right to be silent.
AMENDMENT 4
Source: School district settles illegal search suit over photos found on student's cell phone, September 16, 2010
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10259/1087886-454.stm
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Explanation of Connection:
A high school senior was caught using a cell phone in class and it was confiscated. Her high school principal looked through the phone and found naked pictures of her and gave the phone to the police. She sued her principal for illegal search of her phone. Saying it is a violation of her privacy.
This article demonstrates Amendment 4 of the United States. The principal illegally searched her phone and that is a violation of this amendment. No one should just go through someone else’s personal belongings. The principal had to search the girl’s phone to find her naked photos.
I think this is a great amendment. When people illegally search another person’s property, it is an obstructer of their privacy. They might find something the person doesn’t want to be seen. Like the girl’s naked photos. And when police officers try to search someone’s stuff they have to have a warrant.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10259/1087886-454.stm
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Explanation of Connection:
A high school senior was caught using a cell phone in class and it was confiscated. Her high school principal looked through the phone and found naked pictures of her and gave the phone to the police. She sued her principal for illegal search of her phone. Saying it is a violation of her privacy.
This article demonstrates Amendment 4 of the United States. The principal illegally searched her phone and that is a violation of this amendment. No one should just go through someone else’s personal belongings. The principal had to search the girl’s phone to find her naked photos.
I think this is a great amendment. When people illegally search another person’s property, it is an obstructer of their privacy. They might find something the person doesn’t want to be seen. Like the girl’s naked photos. And when police officers try to search someone’s stuff they have to have a warrant.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
AMENDMENT 10
Source: McCollum: Health Bill Violates 10th Amendment, March 22, 2010
http://www.justnews.com/health/22912957/detail.html
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Explanation of Connection:
President Barrack Obama is about to sign a healthcare bill to give people more medical insurance. But this bill is forcing the states to give the people more healthcare. This is a very expensive bill for the states to pay for. Many people think that this bill is hurtful to the individual power of the states.
This article demonstrates Amendment 10 of the United States Constitution. This amendment gives the states all of the power not specified in the Constitution. Healthcare is not mentioned in the United States Constitution so the individual states should have the power to control healthcare within the states. This bill tells the states what to do with the little power they have.
I think this amendment is needed in the Constitution. The states need their own individual power. Even though the healthcare was a good idea, the states should have the power to control it. The federal government should leave this matter alone. The people should be the ones to put this bill in action.
http://www.justnews.com/health/22912957/detail.html
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Explanation of Connection:
President Barrack Obama is about to sign a healthcare bill to give people more medical insurance. But this bill is forcing the states to give the people more healthcare. This is a very expensive bill for the states to pay for. Many people think that this bill is hurtful to the individual power of the states.
This article demonstrates Amendment 10 of the United States Constitution. This amendment gives the states all of the power not specified in the Constitution. Healthcare is not mentioned in the United States Constitution so the individual states should have the power to control healthcare within the states. This bill tells the states what to do with the little power they have.
I think this amendment is needed in the Constitution. The states need their own individual power. Even though the healthcare was a good idea, the states should have the power to control it. The federal government should leave this matter alone. The people should be the ones to put this bill in action.
AMENDMENT 2
Source:
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
Explanation of Connection:
Washington D.C. tried to pass a ban on guns in D.C. But the Supreme Court shot down their ban, saying it is unconstitutional. There are many symbols in the cartoon. The judges are the Supreme Court. The man lying on the ground is the ban itself. The piece of paper is the United States Constitution.
This cartoon demonstrates Amendment 2 of the United States Constitution. This amendment gives every citizen the right to carry a gun. But because of the gun violence local governments are trying to ban these guns. Every time the local governments try to ban guns, the Supreme Court stops them or shoots down the ban.
I think this amendment needs to be repealed. Not just anybody should have a gun. It is very easy to obtain a gun; all they need is a permit. This amendment was written a long time ago, in a time of war. They needed everyone to have a gun. But now we have an army and a navy. So there is no need for every person to have a gun outside their homes.
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
Explanation of Connection:
Washington D.C. tried to pass a ban on guns in D.C. But the Supreme Court shot down their ban, saying it is unconstitutional. There are many symbols in the cartoon. The judges are the Supreme Court. The man lying on the ground is the ban itself. The piece of paper is the United States Constitution.
This cartoon demonstrates Amendment 2 of the United States Constitution. This amendment gives every citizen the right to carry a gun. But because of the gun violence local governments are trying to ban these guns. Every time the local governments try to ban guns, the Supreme Court stops them or shoots down the ban.
I think this amendment needs to be repealed. Not just anybody should have a gun. It is very easy to obtain a gun; all they need is a permit. This amendment was written a long time ago, in a time of war. They needed everyone to have a gun. But now we have an army and a navy. So there is no need for every person to have a gun outside their homes.
AMENDMENT 1
Source: Student Suspended for Facebook Page Sue, February 15, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/education/16student.html
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Explanation of Connection:
A teenage girl made a page criticizing one of her high school teachers. She was suspended from high school for that page. Now she is suing her high school principal to get the suspension expunged from her record. The federal has ruled that she can proceed with that lawsuit.
This article demonstrates Amendment 1 of the United States Constitution. The U.S. Constitution gives everyone freedom of speech. This girl was punished for that right. That is why the federal court let her sue her principal.
I couldn’t imagine a society where no one had freedom of speech. Everyone would have to watch what they say all of the time and no one would express how they feel. The girl didn’t even say anything threatening or harmful to the teacher so she should not have gotten in trouble for this. This is one of the best additions to the Constitution ever. Everyone should be able to say what they want to.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/education/16student.html
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Explanation of Connection:
A teenage girl made a page criticizing one of her high school teachers. She was suspended from high school for that page. Now she is suing her high school principal to get the suspension expunged from her record. The federal has ruled that she can proceed with that lawsuit.
This article demonstrates Amendment 1 of the United States Constitution. The U.S. Constitution gives everyone freedom of speech. This girl was punished for that right. That is why the federal court let her sue her principal.
I couldn’t imagine a society where no one had freedom of speech. Everyone would have to watch what they say all of the time and no one would express how they feel. The girl didn’t even say anything threatening or harmful to the teacher so she should not have gotten in trouble for this. This is one of the best additions to the Constitution ever. Everyone should be able to say what they want to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)