Being Arrested
Not all arrests end this way, for sure only a fraction do. Yet, many, many people still today have high anxiety when they think they might be stopped by the police and possibly arrested. An arrest may happen for something you might not be aware of doing or you might look like someone the police are searching for. Basically, this exercise is meant for you to consider your rights to remain silent, to have an attorney present when questioned, to have announced charges against you made public, to confront witnesses against you, and your right to protection from unreasonable search and seizure. Try to put your self in the position of being detained by the police. Think of how you would react, knowing what you now understand about your rights. For the writing of your paper, consider the following questions: Many people are fearful of arrest and lock-up by the police. If you are arrested by the police, would you resist arrest or would you allow yourself to be detained without a fight? Which path would you take? And, why would you take that path? Reference the appropriate parts of the Due Process Amendments (4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th) when answering these questions. Discuss your rights as you wish to employ them when arrested.