Question

i have rights?!
can they do that? read each persons story and decide if that person has a right. if so, which of the amendments found in the bill of rights (the first 10 amendments) gives them that right?

1. i dyed my hair green because i wanted to make a statement. i didnt think that statement would be, \search my backpack!\ a police officer stopped me and said that he was going to search my backpack because he didnt like my hair color. do i have a right to privacy in this circumstance?

□ no □ yes, in amendment # _____

1. i was arrested 12 months ago. ive been accused of speeding, but i havent been given an opportunity to defend myself against the charge. i think theyre just going to leave me in this jail forever! do i have a right to a speedy and fair trial?

□ no □ yes, in amendment # _____

1. i do not like our mayor at all. i think he has made some very bad choices and is not managing our town very well. im going to practice my free speech by spray painting a message for the whole town on the mayors front door. do i have a right to free speech through vandalism?

□ no □ yes, in amendment # _____

1. i know there is a law against keeping lions as pets in my town, but as long as i keep it on my property i should be allowed to have one! thats what private property is all about, right? do i have a right to do what i want on my property?

□ no □ yes, in amendment # _____

1. i am buddhist, which means that i practice the religion of buddhism. i just moved to a new town that has banned all religion. the sheriff has threatened to arrest me if i dont take an oath against religion. do i have a right to practice religion?

□ no □ yes, in amendment # _____

1. as punishment for accidentally breaking my neighbors window, i have to replace all the windows that break in our town for the next year, while wearing a silly hat and embarrassing outfit! do i have a right to fight my punishment?

□ no □ yes, in amendment # _____
a world without? imagine what life would be like if our rights werent protected. in complete sentences, describe what might happen if each of these amendments were missing from the constitution.

Explanation:

1. The 4th Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. A police officer cannot search someone's backpack just because he doesn't like their hair color.
2. The 6th Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial.
3. Free speech does not include vandalism. The 1st Amendment protects speech but not destructive actions.
4. Local laws can regulate property use (like not keeping lions as pets). There is no Amendment that overrides a valid local law in this case.
5. The 1st Amendment protects the free - exercise of religion.
6. The 8th Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Forcing someone to replace all town windows for accidentally breaking one neighbor's window is likely cruel and unusual.

Answer:

1. YES, in Amendment #4
2. YES, in Amendment #6
3. NO
4. NO
5. YES, in Amendment #1
6. YES, in Amendment #8