criminal procedure essay final

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Feb 20, 2024

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Criminal Procedure Under Chief Justices Earl Warren and William Rehnquist Sarai Mizzell Park university CJ 221 Criminal procedure Professor Hudson

Introduction The U.S. Supreme Court plays a vital role in shaping our criminal justice system by interpreting and setting the rules that govern it. At different points in history, Chief Justices Earl Warren and William Rehnquist exerted significant influence and introduced important changes to the system. This essay examines their decisions and their impact on the delicate equilibrium between ensuring public safety and safeguarding individual rights. Additionally, we will explore the consequences of these choices on law enforcement practices and consider the Supreme Court's current efforts to strike a balance between the rights of individuals and the welfare of the general public. Understanding these historical and ongoing dynamics is crucial for comprehending the evolving landscape of justice in the United States. Chief Justice Earl Warren's Approach Chief Justice Earl Warren made some very important decisions when he oversaw the Supreme Court, and these decisions had a big impact on how our justice system works. For example, in a famous case called Mapp v. Ohio in 1961, the Court said that if the police get evidence in a way that breaks the Fourth Amendment rules, it can't be used in state courts (National Constitution Center, n.d.). This was a big deal because it meant that police couldn't use evidence they got from illegal searches or seizures. Another important decision was in a case called Gideon v. Wainwright in 1963. The Supreme Court decided that if someone was in trouble with the law and couldn't pay for a lawyer, the state had to give them one for free (Landmark Cases, n.d.). This was a big deal because it meant that everyone, no matter how much money they had, would get a fair shot when they went to court. So, if someone was

accused of a serious crime and couldn't afford a lawyer, the government had to provide one, making sure that justice was fair for everyone. Warren's Court cared a lot about people's individual rights and making sure the government followed the rules. The two example cases specifically highlight Chief Justice Earl Warren's approach. Emphasizing his focus on safeguarding individual rights and ensuring that law enforcement adhered to legal procedures. Chief Justice William Rehnquist's Approach Let’s now delve into Chief Justice William Rehnquist's approach to legal principles governing criminal cases. In a pivotal case, Hudson v. Michigan, in the year 2006, the Court under his leadership articulated a doctrine wherein evidence obtained by the police, despite procedural improprieties during the search for such evidence, may be admissible in court provided that the violation in question was not of a grievous nature (Legal Information Institute, 2006). This ruling served to facilitate law enforcement's use of potentially tainted evidence, with the overarching aim of maintaining societal order and safety. Another significant legal precedent during Chief Justice Rehnquist's tenure was United States v. Leon in 1984. In this case, the Court introduced what is known as the "good faith" exception. This legal doctrine stipulates that, even in instances where the police secured a search warrant with certain deficiencies, the evidence obtained may still be presented in court if the officers genuinely believed they were acting within the boundaries of a valid warrant (Casebriefs, n.d.). This decision was regarded as favorable to the interests of law enforcement agencies. The Supreme Court's Current Approach The modern Supreme Court strives to strike a delicate balance between upholding our personal rights and ensuring the safety of our communities. Recent judicial decisions

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underscore their commitment to both individual liberties and the security of society. In the case of Carpenter v. United States in 2018, the Court demonstrated its concern for safeguarding individual privacy rights. They ruled that obtaining data from a person's cell phone without a proper warrant constituted a violation of the Fourth Amendment, reinforcing the importance of protecting citizens from unwarranted intrusion by law enforcement (National Constitution Center, n.d.). Conversely, in the 2012 case of United States v. Jones, the Court sent a clear message about limiting government intrusion into our private lives. They held that the government couldn't track an individual's car using a GPS device without obtaining their consent or a proper warrant (Criminal Procedure: An Analysis of Cases and Concepts, n.d.). This decision emphasized the Court's commitment to curbing excessive government surveillance and protecting the individual's right to privacy. These recent cases exemplify the Supreme Court's ongoing efforts to navigate the complex terrain between individual liberties and the collective safety of society. Conclusion Chief Justices Earl Warren and William Rehnquist made lasting impressions on how the Supreme Court handles criminal cases, and understanding their approaches can help us grasp the complexity of our justice system. Earl Warren was all about safeguarding individual freedoms and making sure that law enforcement followed strict rules. His Court introduced tougher standards for the police, ensuring that they respected people's rights. On the flip side, William Rehnquist leaned more toward maintaining order in society. He believed that giving the police more flexibility would help keep things organized and secure. Today, the Supreme Court is trying to find a balance between these two approaches. They recognize that it's crucial to protect our personal rights, like privacy and fairness in court, but they also want to make sure our

communities stay safe. This balancing act results in a justice system that's not always straightforward. The rules for criminal cases can be a bit complicated, and they're constantly evolving. This complexity reflects the ongoing debate about how best to balance the rights of individuals with the needs of society. It's a challenging task, and it's what keeps our legal system vibrant and responsive to changing times.

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References Carpenter v. United States (2018) . National Constitution Center – constitutioncenter.org. (n.d.- a). https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/supreme-court-case-library/carpenter-v-united- states Legal Information Institute. (2006, June 15). Hudson v. Michigan . Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/04-1360.ZS.html Mapp v. Ohio (1961) . National Constitution Center – constitutioncenter.org. (n.d.-b). https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/supreme-court-case-library/mapp-v-ohio The Supreme Court . expanding civil rights . landmark cases . Gideon V ... (n.d.). https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/supremecourt/rights/landmark_gideon.html United States v. Leon . Casebriefs United States v Leon Comments. (n.d.). https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/criminal-procedure/criminal-procedure-keyed-to- saltzburg/searches-and-seizures-of-persons-and-things/united-states-v-leon-3/ Charles H. Whitebread;Christopher Slobogin. (n.d.). Criminal procedure: An analysis of cases and concepts, Fourth edition . Criminal Procedure: An Analysis of Cases and Concepts, Fourth Edition | Office of Justice Programs. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/criminal-procedure- analysis-cases-and-concepts-fourth-edition

criminal procedure essay final

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