Bellringer: Should this Right Be Protected?

The police stop Robert for speeding. The officers notice Robert’s trunk is not completely closed, and they are suspicious. He may be hiding something illegal. When the officers ask to open his trunk and search it, Robert refuses to allow them to do so without a search warrant.

In your opinion, the right to refuse a warrantless search of one’s vehicle:

• ✅ SHOULD be protected by the Constitution

• ❌  SHOULD NOT be protected by the Constitution

The police knock on the door of Emilia’s house at 3:00 a.m. They insist that she allow them to search her property for a suspect in a nearby robbery. When she asks them if they have a search warrant, they reply that they do not, but they have a strong feeling that the suspect might be hiding in the house. Emilia refuses to allow the police to enter without a search warrant.

Refusing to allow a warrantless search of one’s home, even when the police are pursuing a suspect:

• ✅ SHOULD be protected by the Constitution

• ❌  SHOULD NOT be protected by the Constitution

Mr. Simonton had a problem with raccoons in the alley behind his house digging through his trash, so he decided to get a trash can with a locking lid. One morning, Mr. Simonton sees two police officers trying to open his trash can. Mr. Simonton goes outside to ask them what is happening. The officers ask him to open the locked lid so that they can search his trash. When he asks why, the police officers tell him that their reason is confidential. Mr. Simonton refuses to open the lid.

An individual’s refusal to allow the police to search through his or her trash:

• ✅ SHOULD be protected by the Constitution

• ❌  SHOULD NOT be protected by the Constitution

Tommy is walking home from a local convenience store with some items he purchased. A police car with flashing sirens stops near him. The police believe that Tommy witnessed the store being robbed. When the police officer asks him if he knows anything about the robbery, Tommy does not know what to say and tells the officer that he would rather not speak.

An individual’s refusal to speak during a police interrogation:

• ✅ SHOULD be protected by the Constitution

• ❌  SHOULD NOT be protected by the Constitution

Mrs. Cory has lived on the same property since she was born. Recently, in response to traffic concerns, her state has decided to build a new two-lane highway. It will need to construct part of this road on Mrs. Cory’s land. Officials meet with Mrs. Cory and tell her the state will pay her a fair price for her property. Mrs. Cory refuses to sell.

An individual’s refusal to sell land so the government can use it for a public purpose:

• ✅ SHOULD be protected by the Constitution

• ❌  SHOULD NOT be protected by the Constitution

Ken has held a high-level job at a bank for 15 years. One day, the police arrive at his bank and arrest him. Ken assumes it is for stealing. The police take him and put him in a jail cell. For three weeks, Ken sees no one, except for the officers who bring him food. When Ken tries to speak to them about why he has been arrested, they remain silent.

An individual’s demand for an explanation for his or her arrest:

• IS protected by the Bill of Rights

• IS NOT protected by the Bill of Rights