1. The Courts, Constitution and the Bill of Rights: Due Process

2. What if…….
On tonight’s news you learned that several new laws have been passed. These laws give the police and the courts more power to find, catch and prosecute people who might be criminals.

3. The police can enter and search homes and businesses whenever they want. The laws allow people to be searched….completely…. If they look suspicious.

4. One judge will decide if a person is guilty or innocent
One judge will decide if a person is guilty or innocent. The decision will be final.
No Lawyer
No Jury

5. How would you like these news laws?
BOOOOOOOO!
That’s Bull!
Oh Man!

6. No need to worry……
All the new laws would be unconstitutional
The Bill of Rights include several amendments that protect citizens from unfair treatment
These amendments ensure “due process”

7. 4th Amendment Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures of
Persons
Houses
Papers and
Effects (What are “effects”)

8. 5th and 6th Amendments protect the rights of the accused in courts
5th: No Double Jeopardy
No Testify against yourself(“I plead the 5th )
Just Compensation
Cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law

9. 6th Fair speedy trial Impartial Jury
Be informed of the nature and cause of charge
Confront Witnesses against
Have the assistance of counsel for defence

10. 8th Amendment No excessive bail or fines
No cruel or unusual punishment
14th Amendment
STATES must
Treat all people equally under the law
Provide due process of law
Protect the basic liberties spelled out in the U.S. Constitution

11. THESE WORDS HAVE NOT CHANGED, BUT
The way the courts interpret them HAS
DUE PROCESS RIGHTS HAVE BECOME STRONGER
1960s the courts made several rulings that expanded DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS