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.
Thornton v. U.S. (2004)
May police officers legally search a vehicle if the arrestee was stopped by police after exiting the vehicle? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2004.
Elonis v. United States (2015)
Does a conviction of threatening another person under 18 USC §875(c) require proof of the defendant’s subjective intent to threaten? This case summary explores the meanings and standards of proof behind intentions.
Arizona v. Gant (2009)
What must police officers demonstrate when arresting the owner of a vehicle in order to conduct a search of the vehicle without a warrant? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2009.
Brigham City v. Stuart (2006)
What constitutional standard must be used by police who enter a house without a warrant? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2006.
City of Ontario v. Quon (2010)
Did a police department’s review of an employee’s text messages violate his right against unreasonable searches and seizures? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2010.
Illinois v. Wardlow (2000)
Was the police search and seizure of a man seen fleeing a high-crime area in violation of the Fourth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2000.
Kentucky v. King (2011)
Does the Emergency Circumstances exception to the warrant requirement apply when police officers create the emergency? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2011.
Search and Seizure: Mapp v. Ohio
This documentary explores the Fourth Amendment case Mapp v. Ohio in which the Supreme Court ruled that evidence illegally obtained by police is not admissible in state courts. The 1961 case redefined the rights of the accused. A PDF lesson plan accompanies this video.
Samson v. California (2006)
Does the Fourth Amendment prohibit police from conducting an suspicionless search of a parolee? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2006.