Students will explore their ideas about fairness in the American criminal justice system and the role of race and ethnicity by analyzing the depiction of the Amadou Diallo shooting in Bruce Springsteen’s song “American Skin (41 Shots).” They will apply newly acquired knowledge about the protections and limits of the Fourth and 14th Amendment and law enforcement challenges to a reevaluation of their ideas about fair and equal treatment by the police.
Graham v. Florida (2010)
Is sentencing a minor to life without parole for a non-homicide crime “cruel and unusual” punishment under the Eighth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2010.
Florida v. Jardines (2013)
Is the use of a trained drug-sniff dog on the porch of a home a Fourth Amendment search requiring probable cause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2013.
Maryland v. King (2013)
Does the 4th Amendment allow states to collect and analyze DNA from people arrested, but not convicted, of serious crimes? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2013.
A Conversation on the Constitution: Jury Service
Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony M. Kennedy discuss the history and responsibilities of juries and the role they play in the U.S. judicial system. This video complements FAQs: Juries, 11 short videos about the history of juries and what to expect as a potential juror.