Supreme Court Decisions That Have Expanded Civil Rights
Mapp v. Ohio
In the case of Mapp v. Ohio, a woman was barged in on by a group of police men carrying a fake warrant. They were told that a suspect in a bombing case could be found in the home of Mapp. Asking to see the warrant, she grabbed it and stuffed it in her dress. After taking the fake warrant from her, they handcuffed her for being "belligerent". No bombing suspect was found, but they did find pornographic material in a trunk that had been left from the pervious people living in the home. She was arrested and found guilty for having possession of this material. This case changed the rights in an important way. It made it so that no evidence that is found in a case like this where the suspects right to protection of search and seizure is violated may not be used in state courts and federal courts.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapp_v._Ohio
In the case of Mapp v. Ohio, a woman was barged in on by a group of police men carrying a fake warrant. They were told that a suspect in a bombing case could be found in the home of Mapp. Asking to see the warrant, she grabbed it and stuffed it in her dress. After taking the fake warrant from her, they handcuffed her for being "belligerent". No bombing suspect was found, but they did find pornographic material in a trunk that had been left from the pervious people living in the home. She was arrested and found guilty for having possession of this material. This case changed the rights in an important way. It made it so that no evidence that is found in a case like this where the suspects right to protection of search and seizure is violated may not be used in state courts and federal courts.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapp_v._Ohio
Gideon v. Wainwright
In this case, Clarence Earl Gideon was brought to court because he had been seen near a burglary scene just hours after the occurrence. When he was tried, he was too poor to afford an attorney, and when he asked to be represented by Counsel, his request was denied. The court stated that under the laws of Florida, the only time the state can appoint the Counsel to someone's defense if when that person is charged with a capital offense. After serving time in prison, Gideon appealed to the Supreme Court. He was assigned a prominent Washington D.C. attorney. This case confirmed the right of defendants in criminal proceedings, upon request, to have access to an attorney during trial and on appeal.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideon_v._Wainwright
In this case, Clarence Earl Gideon was brought to court because he had been seen near a burglary scene just hours after the occurrence. When he was tried, he was too poor to afford an attorney, and when he asked to be represented by Counsel, his request was denied. The court stated that under the laws of Florida, the only time the state can appoint the Counsel to someone's defense if when that person is charged with a capital offense. After serving time in prison, Gideon appealed to the Supreme Court. He was assigned a prominent Washington D.C. attorney. This case confirmed the right of defendants in criminal proceedings, upon request, to have access to an attorney during trial and on appeal.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideon_v._Wainwright
Legislative Actions That Have Expanded Civil Rights
The fourteenth amendment gives citizenship rights and equal protections of the laws to slaves. This was a very good thing for our country because it was a big milestone in bringing equality to all no matter what skin color you have. Slaves were no longer considered property, and although this amendment did not completely change the way african americans were looked at, treated, and thought of, it started an unforgettable and crucial time period of America's history. Because of the ratification of this amendment, African Americans can live in the United States and have the right to the same laws, protection, and rights as every other person here. Legally, there is finally a glimpse of equality.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_t
o_the_United_States_Constitution
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_t
o_the_United_States_Constitution
The fifteenth amendment took the freedom and rights of slaves a step further and gave them the right to vote. This amendment gives the right to vote to every citizen no matter what race or color. It was the last of the Reconstruction Amendments. Without the ratification of this amendment, blacks would not have a say in the government. Yes they could live here and have all of the rights as a normal citizen (thanks to the ratification of the fourteenth amendment) but they could not vote. Therefore they would have absolutely no say in who is running and controlling our control. This is a very significant right.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifteenth_Amendment_to_t
he_United_States_Constitution
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifteenth_Amendment_to_t
he_United_States_Constitution