Southern Utah University

POLS 3510 – Constitutional Law

Final Essay Assignment

Fall 2008

Write a short essay answer (approximately 100 to 300 words) for each question below.  Be sure to properly describe the legal or constitutional theory or issue involved.  You should also properly cite the appropriate material from your text, including cases, which apply. You may also use outside sources including academic publications, law text, and valid electronic resources (note: a valid electronic source does not generally include self-edited websites such as Wikipedia.  The source should be associated with the study of the constitution.)

 

1.      There has been much debate recently over the 2nd Amendment. Review the case of District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. ___ (2008) (you can find various links online) and give a well reasoned argument why the Supreme was either right or they were wrong.

 

2.      What does the term "issuance by a neutral magistrate" mean when dealing with the 4th Amendment?

 

3.      What does the term "particularly describing" mean under the 4th Amendment?

 

4.      What does the term Procedural Due Process mean and how is it applied today?

 

5.      Outline the rights of the 6th Amendment and explain how they are applied.

 

6.      Assume that the Supreme Court has issued a new ruling overturning the prior decision in Miranda v. Arizona. How would one change the Constitution to insure that the spirit of Miranda is maintained?