For the past generation, state and federal crime control policies have been based on the belief that law enforcement can solve the problem through increased numbers of police, harsher sentencing laws and greater use of the death penalty. Today, despite an unprecedented prison population, we are no safer than before. We are, however, much less free.
Rights guaranteed to criminal suspects, defendants, offenders and prisoners were not included in the Bill of Rights for the benefit of criminals. Rather, they are fundamental political rights that protect all Americans from governmental abuse of power. These rights, found in the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, include the guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure, the right to reasonable bail, the right to due process of law and the right to be free from cruel and unusual treatment. This "bundle of rights" is indispensable to a free society.
For related issues visit our Criminal Justice and Safe and Free pages to learn more.
If you feel your rights have been violated, call our complaint line at 314-652-3111 or File a Complaint with our office.
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