Constitutional Rights of Defendants

The U.S. Constitution provides multiple rights for someone accused of a crimethe defendant in a criminal case filed by a prosecutor. Choose one right for the accused, and explain why this is the most significant safeguard for criminal defendants. Discuss at least two U.S. Supreme Court opinions which interpreted this right. Did the Supreme Court limit or expand upon the plain language from the U.S. Constitution? In what way? Discuss the relevance of the right in modern society. It is recommended that your post contain approximately 400 words.

Guided Response:
Choose a constitutional right that you feel passionate about, and evaluate how the Supreme Court views that right. Remember, all court cases are intentionally called opinions. There is a tacit acknowledgement that peoples and societys views change over time, and that what is culturally acceptable today may not be tomorrow (e.g., think of the very recent changes in public opinion over gay marriage). Predict the future of your chosen right to analyze; will the Supreme Court restrict or expand this right in the future, and why?

Recommended Resources
Websites
Anthony M. Kennedy (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/anthony_m_kennedy)

Brief biography of Justice Anthony Kennedy
Antonin Scalia (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/antonin_scalia)

Brief biography of Justice Antonin Scalia
Clarence Thomas (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/clarence_thomas)

Brief biography of Justice Clarence Thomas
Elena Kagan (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/elena_kagan)

Brief biography of Justice Elena Kagan
John G. Roberts, Jr. (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/john_g_roberts_jr)

Brief biography of Chief Justice John Roberts
Ruth Bader Ginsberg (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/ruth_bader_ginsburg)

Brief biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Samuel A. Alito, Jr. (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/samuel_alito_jr)

Brief biography of Justice Samuel Alito
Sonia Sotomayor (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/sonia_sotomayor)

Brief biography of Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Stephen G. Breyer (Links to an external site.) (http://www.oyez.org/justices/stephen_g_breyer)

Brief biography of Justice Stephen Breyer

Web Page
Liptak, A. (2012, March 21). Justices ruling expands rights of accused in plea bargains (https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/us/supreme-court-says-defendants-have-right-to-good-lawyers.html?_r=0).The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com

Liptak analyzes the defendants right to effective, legal representation (Sixth Amendment) during plea agreement negotiations and proceedings.