Protecting Constitutional Rights

Topic (500 words max is strictly enforced with 5% penalty):

The interpretation of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights is constantly changing and subject to debate. Imagine you were a police leader in 1966, following the controversial Miranda v. Arizona decision that potentially could have let a violent kidnapper and rapist go free, and required officers to explicitly warn all arrestees of their rights before a custodial interrogation. Predictably, many in law enforcement thought that the new procedural requirement under Miranda would hamstring law enforcement, make it much harder to protect communities, and hinder efforts to gather evidence needed to successfully prosecute dangerous criminals. Still, despite these concerns, it became the law of the land.

The necessary law enforcement procedural changes resulting from court decisions interpreting Constitutional rights and protections, along with the passage of new laws, many of which limit law enforcements ability to protect communities, offer valuable opportunities for law enforcement leaders to lead. These times of change, uncertainty, and potential frustration within law enforcement present exceptional chances for leaders to positively influence the people they lead and the profession as a whole.

For this assignment, step back in time to 1966 and assume a law enforcement leadership role. Prepare a memorandum to your personnel explaining the Miranda v. Arizona decision and how it aligns with law enforcements oath to support and defend the Constitution. This memorandum is a chance for you as a leader to influence your team’s attitudes and perceptions as they work to protect the community. The memorandum should cover the case, the courts reasoning for the decision, how the decision reinforces Constitutional rights and protections, and how your team can adopt the new procedures while continuing to be effective law enforcement professionals.

Your memo should be no longer than 500 words, double-spaced with 12-point standard fonts and one-inch margins. You will be graded down if your memo is over 500 words.

Include at least 3 of the following references (you can find one other one of your choosing):

Grading Rubric:

Summary of Miranda v. Arizona case and related constitutional protections 25%

Memo provides a clear, accurate, and concise summary of the Miranda v. Arizona case and the constitutional protections and rights upheld by the decision.

Reinforcement and alignment of the court decision with the oath of office 25%

Strong reinforcement of the court decision and a powerful resonance of the higher purpose, duty, or meaning of the oath.

Positive message regarding effectiveness and new procedures 25%

Memo strongly resonates a positive message regarding the adoption of new constitutional policing procedures and law enforcement effectiveness in protecting the community.

General writing quality and execution 25%

The writing is polished, clear, effective, professional, and communicative.