Crime

No matter who you are, crime affects your life. As a student, your school might be vandalized or your wallet stolen. As a taxpayer, you will be expected to contribute money in the fight against crime or to repair the damage it does. As a voter, you will be asked to chose candidates based in part, at least, on their views about solutions to crime. Everyone agrees that crime is a serious problem. Few agree about its causes or solutions. Teachers can help students explore these concepts in this unit plan with accompanying texts.

U.S. v. Drayton (2002)

During a random search, must police officers advise passengers of their right to not cooperate when asked to consent to a search? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.

Voices of History

Voices of History is a collection of eight Bill of Rights Institute curriculum resources including Being An American, Preserving the Bill of Rights, Founders and the Constitution, Supreme Court DBQs, Liberty and Security in Modern Times, Religious Liberty: An American Experiment, and Heroes and Villains. Teachers will have free access to each resources’ lessons plans and handouts.

Wilson v. Layne (1999)

Are news media ride-alongs during the execution of a warrant in violation of the Fourth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 1999.

Yarborough v. Alvarado (2004)

When deciding whether a suspect is “in custody” must an officer consider the suspect’s age and previous history with law enforcement? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2004.