PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO ANSWER ALL THE BELOW DISCUSSION QUESTIONS IN THIS MODULE AND IN ALL MODULES.
1. Reflect on what you have read about the objectives of the law. Should the law take into account extra-legal factors? For example, imagine that a group of Saint Leo University students are protesting against the University's decision to discontinue the criminal justice major. Although peaceful at first, when the local police arrive, one of the freshman students throws her water bottle at an officer, striking him and a bystander.
The student is arrested for battery. The student had plans to attend law school after college, and her admission may be denied if she has a criminal record. Discuss whether you think it is more important to follow the letter of the law, or the spirit of the law? Give some examples to support either position.
2. Discuss the meaning of the rule of law and its criminal justice implications in the United States.
3. You have read the first fourteen amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These Amendments afford certain rights to individuals. What are your thoughts about U.S. Constitutional rights being applied to:
a. Non US citizens/Permanent Residents on U.S. soil generally;
b. foreign terrorists acting on U.S. soil;
c. American nationals committing (or attempting to commit) terrorist acts on foreign soil?
d. Should the rule of law change when being applied in these situations? Should the practical application of the law by the courts differ in any of these situations?