Juries and the Constitution
Rachel Barkow, a vice dean and law professor at New York University, talked about mass incarcerations. The event was part of the Cato Institute’s 20th annual Constitution Day symposium, titled, “The Supreme Court: Past and Prologue - A Look at the 2020 and 2021.”
Description
This bell ringer explores the historical importance of juries in the United States and addresses the Constitutional provisions that protect the right to trial by juries and prevent governmental overreach in criminal cases.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- According to Rachel Barkow, what did the Framers of the Constitution fear?
- What two things did Alexander Hamilton say were "the favorite and most formidable instruments of tyranny?"
- What does Article I of the Constitution prohibit?
- According to the clip, what power does Article II provide to the President and what is the purpose of this power?
- While the judicial process serves to provide a check on the "political branches," why did the Framers "not trust the judges alone?" How does Article III check this issue?
- Based on the clip, what judicial rights are granted by the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Amendments?
Additional Resources
Participants
Vocabulary
- Bill Of Rights
- Bills Of Attainder
- Bloody Codes
- Constitution
- Ex Post Facto Laws
- Framers Of The Constitution
- Judicial Process
- Police State
- Tyranny