Reflections on the First Amendment
Reflections on the First Amendment
Megan Cresse
His/301
June 18, 2013
Karen Levosky
Reflections on the First Amendment
The First Amendment is one of the most important Amendments in the Bill of Rights. The forefathers felt that the Bill of Rights was needed in the Constitution to assure the rights of the people and proceeded to add such protection in the First Amendment. Presently and throughout history the First Amendment stands as an important role in America. Many believe it is the most valued Amendment that carries a significant amount of protection for the citizens of the Untied States of America. The provisions of the First Amendment were created to guarantee the secured rights of the American people and were used to protect citizens in trial.
Rights and Responsibilities Given by the Constitution
Knowing and understanding the rights given by the Constitution is the responsibility of the United States citizens. It is also the duty of each citizen to abide by such rights. The First Amendment declares that Congress cannot pass a law that infringes upon the rights to the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, petition and religion. Another important right given by the Bill of Rights is the right to a fair trial. This ensures that citizens receive due legal process when arrested or accused of a crime. This right has been exercised in several cases that have involved the First Amendment in the Constitution.
Significant Cases
The First Amendment in the Constitution had several cases that involved the Supreme Court. For example, Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940) and Edwards v. South Carolina (1963) are significant to the trials involving the First Amendment. In the case Cantwell v. Connecticut, Newton Cantwell and his to sons, Jesse and Russell, were arrested in New Haven, Connecticut for going door to door to solicit donations for their religion (Jehovah’s Witness). They were soliciting on a predominately known Roman Catholic street. They were charged for
Megan Cresse
His/301
June 18, 2013
Karen Levosky
Reflections on the First Amendment
The First Amendment is one of the most important Amendments in the Bill of Rights. The forefathers felt that the Bill of Rights was needed in the Constitution to assure the rights of the people and proceeded to add such protection in the First Amendment. Presently and throughout history the First Amendment stands as an important role in America. Many believe it is the most valued Amendment that carries a significant amount of protection for the citizens of the Untied States of America. The provisions of the First Amendment were created to guarantee the secured rights of the American people and were used to protect citizens in trial.
Rights and Responsibilities Given by the Constitution
Knowing and understanding the rights given by the Constitution is the responsibility of the United States citizens. It is also the duty of each citizen to abide by such rights. The First Amendment declares that Congress cannot pass a law that infringes upon the rights to the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, petition and religion. Another important right given by the Bill of Rights is the right to a fair trial. This ensures that citizens receive due legal process when arrested or accused of a crime. This right has been exercised in several cases that have involved the First Amendment in the Constitution.
Significant Cases
The First Amendment in the Constitution had several cases that involved the Supreme Court. For example, Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940) and Edwards v. South Carolina (1963) are significant to the trials involving the First Amendment. In the case Cantwell v. Connecticut, Newton Cantwell and his to sons, Jesse and Russell, were arrested in New Haven, Connecticut for going door to door to solicit donations for their religion (Jehovah’s Witness). They were soliciting on a predominately known Roman Catholic street. They were charged for
References: Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940). (2010). Retrieved on June 12, 2013, from http://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark http://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark-cases-and-the-constitution/edwards-v-south-carolina-1963/ Linder, D. (2013). The Right of Privacy. Retrieved on June 13, 2013, from http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/rightofprivacy.html Reuters, T. (2013). U.S