CJUS685-1501A-01 Graduate Criminal Justice Discussions

Task Name: Phase 1 Discussion Board 2

The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution pertains to states’ rights. It was ratified on December 15, 1791. The Tenth Amendment explicitly states the Constitution’s principle of federalism by providing that powers not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states, but by the Constitution are reserved, respectively, for the states or the people. Currently, there are a number of states in contention with the federal government over immigration reform and enforcement of immigration laws.

Please include answers in your main posting for the following questions. Support your answers with your research on states’ rights. You must provide a meaningful main topic supported by references.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

  • Do you think the states should have a sovereign right to enact laws that mirror the federal law for the purpose of immigration violations? Why or why not? Explain in detail.
  • In your interpretation, how has the U.S. Supreme Court dealt with this issue? Explain.
  • In your own words, how does a federal republic function? Does the majority rule? Explain in detail.

Task Name: Phase 3 Discussion Board

On April 23, 2008, the United States Supreme Court, without dissent, determined in the case of Virginia v. Moore that despite unprofessional conduct on the part of the police, there was no violation of Mr. Moore’s civil rights when the police profiled him because they knew that he was driving under a suspended license. A subsequent arrest and search for the suspended driver’s license resulted in the finding of controlled substances and additional charges. Essentially, the court ruled that if the police knew a defendant was committing a motor vehicle violation, regardless of their personal bias, then they had the right to stop that person and check to see if probable cause existed to arrest him or her.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

  • Under what conditions do you think, if any, racial profiling should be clearly illegal? Explain your position.
  • What is your opinion about the decision that even if an officer was racially profiling, if the stop was based on a motor vehicle violation, then there is no issue?
  • Is there a legitimate reason at any stage in an investigation for racial profiling? Explain.
  • What impacts on the community do you think can proracial profiling policies have? Explain in detail.
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