1. Freedom of Speech: How important is it? Does the freedom go "too far"? What areas of speech should not be protected?
I think freedom of speech is very important. If people weren't allowed to say what was on their mind, I think that they would feel trapped. I think sometimes the freedom goes too far. For example, in Snyder v. Phelps, protesters were allowed to say how they feel, even though what they were saying was disgusting and extremely hateful, because it was protected by their freedom of speech. I don't think people should be allowed to protest such hateful things, but that's just my opinion. I think areas of speech that should be protected are opinions as long as they are not hateful. People should always be able to say that they don't agree with what the president is doing in office. I'm very glad that we are allowed to express our concerns with the government.
2. Freedom of Religion: Is separation of church and state necessary? Why or why not?
I do think that separation of church and state is necessary. If every school said a prayer in the beginning of the first class of the day, someone who wasn't Christian could feel left out, secluded, and uncomfortable. I think people should be able to practice any religion they want as long as they don't do it around other people that aren't the religion that they are. Honestly, I don't really agree that "nation under God" is in the Pledge of Allegiance. In my opinion, it goes against separation of church and state.
3. Criminal Procedure: Are defendant's rights crucial to our system of government? Why or why not? Many argue that defendants have too many rights - do you agree? Why or why not?
I definitely think that defendant's rights are crucial to our system of government because if defendants did not have rights, I think that a lot more innocent people would be incarcerated. I do not agree that defendants have too many rights. If someone who was wealthy was arrested for murder, they could afford a lawyer. If someone who was poor was arrested for the same thing, they also would be given a lawyer by the state. If they didn't have this right and an attorney wasn't given to people who couldn't afford one, it wouldn't be fair. Money shouldn't determine whether or not someone has the same rights.
Commented on:
1. Megan Biggs
2. Cassandra Kunsman
3. Robert Johnson
Personally I dont agree with you about seperation of church and state,but I am a christian and I believe if we want to pray around other people it is not a problem. Although I do agree with you about freedom of speech I think if people werent allowed to say what they want they would definately feel trapped.
ReplyDeleteI can see both sides to what you and Megan said that I didn't realize, on the separation of church and state. I'm a Christian also, I think we should have the right to pray at school. Not everyone is Christians and I could see where the ones that are not Christians would possibly feel left out. However, I think it shouldn't be a problem. Good points!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see that I'm not the only one with these opinions. You and I hold basically the same opinion across the board. I appreciate how thorough you are in your responses as well. Not many actually explain why they believe this way. Many people don't realize there isn't a law stating that if someone wants to bless their food or say a prayer for themselves, etc it isn't allowed. The law simply means that the entire school should not be forced to incorporate it into a daily routine. If someone feels the need to pray, they can. There is no law stating that they can't practice their religion wherever they are. They CAN. As long as there are no requirement that others participate and support it. That's where I think people see the problem. They can't see the part that still supports their religion. All they see is someone telling them no without paying attention to exactly what they say no to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with defendants rights to a fair trial. If these rights were not put into place there is no telling how many innocent people would be jailed due to their lack I knowledge of the justice system. On the other hand their are test restraints on how and when evidence is collected and what is admissible into court.
ReplyDeletevery informative, and I agree especially in regards to Phelps and the Westboro church. I'm waiting for someone to really go off on these people when they show up at a military funeral.
ReplyDeleteI agree in regards to the Snyder vs Phelps situation being really a disgusting abuse of freedom of speech. I do not think they should be banned from expressing them self, but why do it in a place that is not so blatantly disrespectful. This is what makes people who have an opinion come across like fanatics. I would not be opposed to having these protests in designated parks not in public sidewalks were people who don't want any part of it have to walk down.
ReplyDeleteI agree that freedom of speech is one of the most important freedoms that we have as American citizens. I do not think that this freedom should limited though, even if what is being said or protested is full of bigotry and just downright ugly, it is still someones opinion and they have the right to express their opinions and beliefs verbally regardless what that opinion may be.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on almost everything. I don't agree with you opinion of separation of church and state but I do see your point. Being a Christian myself I don't see the issue but were I have been around other types of religion I can relate to how one may feel out of place.
ReplyDelete