Introduction
The authority of criminal procedure is found in the U.S. Constitution, especially in the Bill of Rights. Most criminal procedure provisions are found in the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.
All states have state constitutions that mirror the U.S. Constitutions although some differences can exist as long as the state provision does not limit the U.S. Constitution.
Activity Instructions
For this activity, do the following:
Locate a copy of your state constitution (easily accessible on the Internet) and find the provisions that are parallel to provisions in the U.S. Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights.
Point out where the provisions are exactly the same and where they are different.
Discuss the purpose of any differences.
Finally, describe the importance of balancing Constitutional provisions with the goals of both community safety and individual autonomy.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
3-4 full pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page with topic and name of student
References page (minimum of 2 in text citations with corresponding resources)