Recognizing Our Rights

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We as citizens should recognize that any of our rights in the Constitution is subjected to continual interpretation by our courts, especially by the United States Supreme Court. As of today, our Sixth Amendment still allows us as American citizens to “Due Process”, as well as other important rights. This particular right requires police and government officials to recognize our due process rights, especially as suspects during an arrest, questioning, and handling. During an arrest and prior to questioning, a defendant is usually advised of their constitutional rights, as enumerated in the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Miranda V. Arizona. Our right to “due process” does not hold an discrimination to whether you are a poor or rich person, first time criminal or repeat offender, or even an adult or juvenile. The Sixth Amendment specifically states, among other things, that “in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right….to have the Assistance of Counsel for his/her defense.” Only the U. S. Supreme Court has interpreting the constitution, has stated/ruled that, “the states would furnish counsel to who could not afford one.” Classification of defendants who could not afford their own counsel is labeled in court as “Indigents.’” In any crime, a defendant has their due process rights. These rights are why police officials have to maintain, obtain, and follow certain procedures in order to not violate these defendants’ rights. When it comes to questioning and line-ups, the requirements that police have to maintain are pretty much the same with any defendant, any age, in any situation.

The Sixth Amendment gives a criminal defendant the right “to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” When a defend...

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