Bill of Rights Scenarios

Scenario 1 - Samantha, an eighteen-year old college student, is arrested for stealing a classmate’s term paper and selling it on the Internet. When she appears before the judge, she asks for a lawyer to help defend her. The judge tells her if she is smart enough to be in college, she is smart enough to defend herself. Besides, she is not being charged with a felony, so the stakes are not very high.

Are her rights being violated?

• Yes

• No

Which Amendment is being violated?

• 1

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

What 6th amendment right is being taken away?

• Accused has right to hear charges

• Accused has the right to a lawyer

• Defendant has the right to hear and question witnesses

• Accused has right to speedy trial

Scenario 2

A neighbor is suing the Joneses’ because a tree in the Joneses’ yard fell on their roof during a hurricane. The neighbors want the Jones family to pay $850 to have their roof repaired. Mr. Jones requests that a jury be present to hear this case. The judge says it is not necessary since the amount of the repairs is so small.

Are rights being violated?

• Yes

• No

Which Amendment is being violated?

• 1

• 4

• 5

• 7

• 8

What 7th amendment right is being taken away?

• Accused has right to hear charges

• Accused has the right to a lawyer

• Defendant has the right to hear and question witnesses

• Everyone has right to jury trial in civil cases

Scenario 3 - Carolyn is arrested for shoplifting a candy bar from a neighborhood convenience store. At trial, she is found guilty. The judge decides that the appropriate punishment is to cut off Carolyn’s hands so that she will not be able to shoplift again.

Are her rights being violated?

• Yes

• No

Which Amendment is being violated?

• 2

• 6

• 8

• 9

What 8th amendment right is being taken away?

• Excessive bail and punishment

• Protection from cruel or unusual punishment

• Protection from unreasonable seizure

• Right to a public trial

Scenario 4 - Mr. Reynolds, an avid hunter, opens the door of his home one day to find agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms outside. They inform him that certain provisions of a new federal law allow them to confiscate his rifles so that he may not engage in terrorist activities or plot against the United States government. They have no evidence that he is connected to any such activities.

Are Mr. Reynolds’ rights being violated?

• Yes

• No