Write a reflective response (4-5 sentences each) to each of the three prompts below.
1. Former
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas once said, "Restriction of free
thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one
un-American act that could most easily defeat us." Reflect on this
statement and whether or not you agree or disagree with Justice Douglas.
2. The right to privacy has been behind some of the most controversial Supreme Court decisions of the last century. Is privacy one of the rights granted in the U.S. Constitution even though it is not specifically spelled out? If it's not spelled out, where does this right come from?
3. Salim Hamdan, a driver employed by Osama bin Laden, spent more than seven years in United States custody because he was suspected of terrorist activities. Hamdan was eventually reunited with his family on January 8, 2009, after a more than seven year long detention. Human rights organizations continue to criticize the U.S. government for its treatment of Hamdan and other non-citizen prisoners, asserting that everyone is entitled to the fundamental legal protections provided by the U.S. Constitution. Should terrorism suspects be tried in civilian courts (Rather than military tribunals) so that their civil liberties can be protected by the U.S. Constitution?
To add your reply, click "add a new discussion topic," type your response to each of the questions, and then make sure to click "post to forum." Then, check out some of your fellow classmate's responses and make sure to reply (as discussed in the syllabus) to at least two of your classmates' responses before 6/11.
1. I agree with Justice William O. Douglas on how restrictions of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. I believe that we as citizens should always have the right to free speech and free thought. If the government restricts us of these rights and freedoms, then I believe that there may be serious consequences, resulting in more rights being taken away from us. The 1st amendment in my opinion is the main mark for a U.S. citizens freedom and shows how we are powerful as a country in terms of freedom.
2. Even though privacy is not specifically stated in the U.S. constitution it is mentioned in the 4th, 9th, and 14th amendments. The 4th amendment is illegal search and seizure which prevents the police or government from an illegal search of your household. The 9th amendment mentions how other rights may exist beyond the constitution. Finally, the 14th amendment is the right to liberty.
3. I believe that terrorism suspects should be tried in civilian courts only if they are a citizen of the United States. If you are a domestic terrorist committed the act upon your own citizens, then you may be tried in civilian courts. However, Salim Hamdan was a citizen of Yemen and therefore he should not be treated in the same system as an American citizen in my opinion. Although he is not a U.S. citizen that does not mean he shouldn’t be granted a fair trial until he is proven guilty. Salim Hamdan would not be protected by our constitution, but he should be treated dependent upon his human rights.