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Forensic Science and the Law Essay

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Forensic Science and the Law Essay
Forensic Science and the Law Writing Assignment

The three most important Amendments to the United States constitution regarding evidence used to convict or exonerate a suspect are Amendments 4, 5 and 6 which state ideas on Search and Seizure, Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings, and Trial by Jury in Civil Cases.
Amendment 4 “Search and Seizure” talks about, and legalizes “The rights of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” The fourth amendment protects the rights of an individual so they are not wrongfully or illegally searched.
Amendment 5 “Trial and Punishment” Sets out rules for how people are sentenced for the crime by the Grand Jury, due to the process of law going through the steps of legal proceedings. The Fifth Amendment prohibits double jeopardy, meaning you can’t be tried twice for the same crime. Habeas Corpus is a large part of the 5th. What this means is you cannot be questioned, charged, or arrested, without probable cause. Even if one is arrested with probable cause, you cannot be held more than one day without an indictment.
Amendment 6 “Right to Speedy Trial, and Confrontation of Witnesses” states that in all criminal trials, you have the right to a speedy and impartial trial, and the criminal should be informed about their charges. You have the right to obtain witnesses, and you have the right to get a lawyer even if you cannot afford it. The accused also has the right to be confronted with the witnesses against him/her. In conclusion, Amendments 4, 5, and 6 of the US constitution are the three most important amendments regarding evidence used to convict or exonerate a suspect. I’ve provided brief summaries of each amendment explaining what they

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