watch the video “The Right to Remain Silent: Miranda v.
Arizona” from the Annenberg Foundation at:
https://assets.annenbergclassroom.org/annenbergclassroom-docright_to_remain_silent.mp4, (25 minutes), read Chapter 4, and write an essay that
includes the following points: (60 points)
- Identify the legal problem with Miranda’s confession.
- At the time of Miranda . . .
a) What rights did the accused have when he/she went to trial?
b) What rights did the accused have in the interrogation room? - Why does the law allow the accused to not answer any questions?
- Which Amendments are involved in the Miranda v. Arizona court-case?
- Give the two reasons Miranda was considered the most controversial criminal
procedure decision ever. Include the arguments of the majority opinion of the US
Supreme Court and the dissenting opinion (those who did not agree with the
majority). - How did the court-case Miranda v. Arizona change the way law enforcement treated
criminal defendants? - Do you think any changes should be made? Explain.
- Not all speech is treated equally. Describe the different kinds of speech (at
least five) and discuss which forms receive the highest (and lowest) levels of
constitutional protection. Why is some protection for freedom of speech essential in
a democracy? (Chapter 4) (40 points).
Sample Solution
