The Fourth and Eighth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution are really important when it comes to making changes in the way our criminal justice system works. They focus on protecting people’s rights, especially when police are involved.
Fourth Amendment: Protection Against Unreasonable Searches
The Fourth Amendment helps keep people safe from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that police must get a warrant before searching someone’s property. They need strong reasons to believe something is wrong.
A big change happened after the Mapp v. Ohio case in 1961. Because of this case, the rule was made that police cannot use evidence they found in an illegal way. This pushes law enforcement to be more careful and to follow the rules when searching someone or their home.
Eighth Amendment: No Cruel or Unusual Punishments
The Eighth Amendment says that people should not be punished in cruel or unusual ways. Over the years, the Supreme Court has made important decisions about this. For example, in the Furman v. Georgia case in 1972, the Court decided that the way the death penalty was carried out was cruel and unusual. This made many states take another look at their laws about capital punishment.
How These Amendments Affect Us Today
Police Practices: Because of the Fourth Amendment, many police officers now wear body cameras. This helps to make sure they are doing their jobs fairly. Communities want police to follow the law, which helps build trust between the police and the people.
Changes in Sentencing: The Eighth Amendment has helped people fight for better sentencing rules. This includes getting rid of strict mandatory minimum sentences and life sentences for non-violent crimes. Many states have changed harsh laws that unfairly affect certain groups of people.
Protecting the Innocent: Both amendments help protect innocent people. The Fourth Amendment makes sure that illegally obtained evidence can't unfairly convict someone. The Eighth Amendment helps stop harsh punishments that might wrongly punish an innocent person.
In summary, the Fourth and Eighth Amendments do more than just change how the criminal justice system works. They inspire ongoing changes that promote fairness and protect everyone’s rights, making the system more just for all citizens.
The Fourth and Eighth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution are really important when it comes to making changes in the way our criminal justice system works. They focus on protecting people’s rights, especially when police are involved.
Fourth Amendment: Protection Against Unreasonable Searches
The Fourth Amendment helps keep people safe from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that police must get a warrant before searching someone’s property. They need strong reasons to believe something is wrong.
A big change happened after the Mapp v. Ohio case in 1961. Because of this case, the rule was made that police cannot use evidence they found in an illegal way. This pushes law enforcement to be more careful and to follow the rules when searching someone or their home.
Eighth Amendment: No Cruel or Unusual Punishments
The Eighth Amendment says that people should not be punished in cruel or unusual ways. Over the years, the Supreme Court has made important decisions about this. For example, in the Furman v. Georgia case in 1972, the Court decided that the way the death penalty was carried out was cruel and unusual. This made many states take another look at their laws about capital punishment.
How These Amendments Affect Us Today
Police Practices: Because of the Fourth Amendment, many police officers now wear body cameras. This helps to make sure they are doing their jobs fairly. Communities want police to follow the law, which helps build trust between the police and the people.
Changes in Sentencing: The Eighth Amendment has helped people fight for better sentencing rules. This includes getting rid of strict mandatory minimum sentences and life sentences for non-violent crimes. Many states have changed harsh laws that unfairly affect certain groups of people.
Protecting the Innocent: Both amendments help protect innocent people. The Fourth Amendment makes sure that illegally obtained evidence can't unfairly convict someone. The Eighth Amendment helps stop harsh punishments that might wrongly punish an innocent person.
In summary, the Fourth and Eighth Amendments do more than just change how the criminal justice system works. They inspire ongoing changes that promote fairness and protect everyone’s rights, making the system more just for all citizens.