1. Freedom of Speech:
How important is it? Does the
freedom go "too far"? What
areas of speech should not be protected?
Well let’s be honest, freedom of speech is vitally important
to our way of life, as Americans. Without it we would not be allowed to be who
were are and who we want to be. We would have to live everyday censoring what
we say, how we express ourselves. I
think that the way the laws are written now is pretty satisfactory. It’s true
that freedom of speech should not be allowed as an excuse for slander or libel,
or for maliciously attacking and demeaning people based on things like race,
gender, or religion, but we need to be allowed to express our own thoughts and
ideas. I also agree that the government’s
actions to limit advocacy of unlawful activities and fighting words (as defined
as hate speech) is necessary. I’m not
really sure how I feel about the prohibiting of symbolic speech. I think that
wearing a symbol, showing support of a cause in a peaceful way, unless it is an
unlawful activity, should not be prohibited.
2. Freedom of Religion:
Is separation of church and state necessary? Why or why not?
I have to say yes, that the separation of church and state
is most definitely necessary. If we were to allow a mingling of church and
state we would be causing tremendous problems concerning other laws, as well as
the general happiness of the country. There is no supposed to be any religion
placed above another in importance in our country. This could also affect people’s
free will in many ways. For example if we had a government that was primarily
catholic, as it was in England all those years ago, would we be allowed to
practice our own religions without persecution? Would we have to pay tithes by
law? Could Muslims wear their head coverings? By keeping church and state separate
while still having the right to freedom of religion I believe we are holding
onto a wonderful balance of freedoms.
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?
Yes, without a doubt. Defendant’s rights are the key that
keeps our police and the courts from taking advantage of the defendant or of
abusing their powers in any way. Overall I agree with the laws protecting
defendants and agree that people should be innocent until proven guilty. I do
not feel that defendants have too many rights, based on the previous belief
that we are innocent first. I would like to see a little tighter security in
our prisons and maybe more stringent bail laws in cases concerning murder. I
also feel that someone is going to complain about the system regardless of how
we may decide to change it.
Ashley Pelfrey
Gabrielle MillerAmber Waters
I agree with your views on our Criminal Procedures. It is very important for each person to feel like they have a chance to have justice. Everyone should be innocent until proven guilty, its a shame other countries can not see it that way.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your views on freedom of speech. I think it is a vital part of allowing us to be who we are, and to live the way we want to live. I think the laws that are in place now regarding this right are just enough to keep hostile people from manipulating the laws and enticing crowds to act lawlessly and that hate speeches should not be allowed in order to demean and put down any race or religion.They guard our freedom of speech without taking it away. Great post!! =)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about separation of church and state is necessary. If one religion was put above the rest, everyone would constantly be arguing. It should be our freedom to choose our religion and not have to abide by someone else's religion. It would definitely be taking away from our freedom.
ReplyDeleteI agree that separation of state and church is necessary in the fact that the intermingling would cause chaos in the place of policy making and equality would be reduced to a sham and the idea of America the free a moot concept.
ReplyDeleteI agree that freedom of speech is very important to the people. If we did not have we would kind of be trapped in our own minds and not be able to express ourselves like we want to. Also I agree that certain things should not be allowed to say about others like slander, bullying, and other types of hateful words that hurt people .
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the freedom of speech has become an everyday way of the American way of life. While I think that the freedom of speech should not be limited I do agree with you that some things should stay unsaid, but I do not think that those things staying unsaid will work very well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you I believe that freedom of speech is a vital part in how we live our lives as American citizens. I feel like if we didn’t have freedom of speech that I personally would feel like I would have to act like some I’m not. I wouldn’t feel like I was being true to myself and I’m pretty sure the majority if not all Americans feels the same way.
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