Civil Rights and Liberties
The first video focuses on some of the rights provided by the bill of rights for American citizens, and the problems and uncertainties conflicts that ensue in the course of their implementation. The clip addresses the extent to which the rights and liberties guaranteed by the bill of rights are experienced in practice. Various instances in which rights of different parties collide are shown. Middle Sussex high school students’ 1st amendment rights to free expression are curtailed because the school administration is not comfortable with their discussions and topics. The school also tries to curtail the high school paper publication’s articles on censorship. The video clip also discusses the conflicts that sometimes arise from two different laws. Court ruling the case of Dr. Shepherd is said to have been heavily influenced by the interference and negative publicity by the press. OJ Simpson also experiences a lot of influence from publicity in his case. This is a result of clash between the first amendment, which guarantees the freedom of the press with that of a fair trial provided by the 6th amendment for the accused. The right to unreasonable search and seizure provided for by the fourth amendment conflict is seen to be curtailed for students when it comes to search for drugs.
It is important that these conflicts be examined by the justice stem since they touch on some of the most important liberties a human being should have. Left unchecked the conflicts might result in difficulties where different parties feel entitled to have their rights protected and implemented. There shouldn’t have to be any instance where one individual’s rights should take precedence over another’s since the same rights are founded o n the equality of all man kind. A decision should also be mad eon whether rights are absolute or not.
The second video clip focuses on the right of equality. It deals with the 14th amendment which provides for the equal rights of all peoples. Black students of Farmville high school staged a strike on protest of deplorable school condition and general segregation. Athletic opportunities for female students appear to be disregarded and looked down upon as compared to that of the boys. This is seen in facilities provided, time accorded to female sport and even the scheduling of seasons. Segregation of people with disabilities and the unequal application of rights to them is also discussed in various stories such as Bobby Howard as well as Michael Elmore’s situations.
The justice system should address the issue of discrimination and segregation. The curtailing of the right to equal treatment for all people is not negotiable and any thing challenging it should be dealt with. Civil rights should be applied equally to all citizens regardless of color, ethnicity, gender, disability status and group membership. All those who through out history have agitated for this should be applauded. Care should be taken to not only accord equal rights but also to maintain the appearance of equal treatment for all.
Works Cited
