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Constitutional Law Topics Essay

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Unit 9: Tiers of Rights Crystal Morgan Constitutional Law, LS 305-02 Professor Solomon September 29, 2010 The Constitution of the United States of America is known as the supreme law of the land. Within these historic pages, even in our modern times, is a section known as the Bill of Rights, which explains each of our freedoms. Every freedom is important and these freedoms have not been subtracted from but added to as time progressed. A couple of rights have “aged out,” which simply means that with modern progress they are not applicable anymore. But without the Fourteenth Amendment giving us the right to due process and equal protection of the laws, we would be left without a recourse for redress from losses resulting from …show more content…

They may present evidence and testify for one’s own defense, while exercising their Fifth Amendment[1] right not to self incriminate. One has a right to face his accusers and cross-examine any witnesses that the opposing side may present. Also, it is expected that the law be written in plain English so a layman may understand, among many other provisions that assist in keeping our courts a level playing field. The equal protection clause also in the Fourteenth Amendment similarly gives fair access to laws and to grieve to all persons. This applies to the courts as well. The historical roots of this concept date back to Thomas Jefferson with his famous quote: “All men are created equal” as found in the Declaration of Independence. This concept eventually paved the way to abolish slavery and segregation, thereby establishing rights regardless of race. During this period landmark cases were argued within the Supreme Court that we still look upon as primary authority today, such as the famous case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954). Women gained equal protection as well, and eventually the rights to vote and own property due to the equal protection clause, so one may not discriminate due to sex. Disabled individuals followed suit and eventually gained the official right to equal protection of the laws with

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