National Security and the Constitution and Supreme Court Review

Discussion One Question:

Examine how issues of national security influenced the constitutional debate on constitutional rights in the United States after September 11, 2001. Provide specific examples of the strengthening or weakening of individuals’ constitutional rights. It is recommended that your post contain approximately 400 words.

Guided Response:
Undeniably, the political reaction to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, allowed the federal government to limit individual liberties and ceded power to the executive branch (i.e., the president). Your specific examples of the limitations of people’s rights and the increased power to the executive should include an examination if these actions were necessary and appropriate. Were there less drastic measures which could have been taken that would have provided similar results for the protection of the country?

Discussion Two Question:

Analyze the ways in which a criminal case can get to the U.S. Supreme Court. Which cases must the Supreme Court review, and which cases do they have discretion on whether or not to render an opinion? What is the court’s discretionary jurisdiction called? It is recommended that your post contain approximately 400 words.

Guided Response:
Very few cases must be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Provide your opinion of whether or not more cases should be mandatorily reviewed by the nation’s higher court. One option the Court has is to let lower court cases stand. In essence, the Court may ignore reviewing a case because the Court either agrees with the lower court, or believes that the case is not “important enough for review.” Analyze whether or not this is the best legal standard for review.