DIRECTIONS: READ FIRST!!!

DIRECTIONS: READ FIRST!

There are five posts for January 29. You must answer 4 of the posts. There are 3 posts you are required to answer.

Bill of Rights

*REQUIRED*

Think about the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution (aka The Bill of Rights) and answer the following questions:

Are there any Bills of Rights you would get rid of? Why or why not?
Which Bill of Right do you feel is the least important? Why?

Bill Boyd

Bill Boyd was caught stealing a neighbor's tractor. Nonetheless, he has plead not guilty and asked that the court appoint an attorney for him.

What provision of the Constitution requires the government to pay for Bill's defense attorney?

University Football

You own three acres of property to the west of the new State University's football stadium. The Univesity seeks to take your property so as to turn it into a parking lot for the crowds that attend the games.

Can they do so?
Must they pay you anything for it? Why or why not?

Stealing

*REQUIRED*

Although you are innocent of the charge, while on vacation in another state, you are arrested and accused of burglary. You hire an attorney and at trail are found not guilty. A week later a witness comes forward and identifies you as being at the scene of the crime the evening it was committed. The prosecutor wants to try you again.

What will prevent the prosecutor from doing so?

Declaration of Independence

*REQUIRED*

You are a citizen of one of the 13 colonies. The time is mid-July 1776. You have just heard of the issuance of the Declaration of Independence.

What reasons might cause you to withhold your support of the Declaration? (3 sentences required)

DIRECTIONS: READ FIRST!!!

Today you need to answer all 6 of the following posts.

Football Stadium vs. Prison

Voters faced two proposals on the ballot. One would build a new football stadium. Another would build new prisons. There is only enough money available to do one.

Are voters being asked to make an ethical decision? Who is affected?

Love

Bill was madly in love with Jennifer. He couldn't think about anything else. He daydreamed in his classes and was close to flunking out of school.

Does Bill's daydreaming in class have an ethical component? Who is most affected by this? Is Bill letting reason or emotion  determine his conduct?

Taxes

Your neighbor thought the tax system was corrupt. He thought it was far too complicated to be fair in the treatment of most people. So he refused to pay his taxes. He wrote the IRS expressing his views. When tax liens were filed against his property he used the occasion to publicize the unfairness in the tax system.

Is this civil disobedience? Why or why not?

Prime Time Restaurant

Staub, Conly, and Winfield were employees of the Prime Time Restaurant. They were aware that the owner never checked the totals on the sales checks against the cash in the register. Therefore it would be very easy to steal from the cash register. However, they did not steal. When asked why they gave the following reason  Staub said he didn't take the money because he was afraid of being caught. Conly said she didn't take the money because she felt obligated to obey the law. Winfield said he didn't take the money because of his religious beliefs.

To which person do you best relate? Why?

Shoplifting

Crawford was caught shoplifting by a store detective. The police were called, and he was arrested. When his parents came to bail him out of jail, they asked him why he did it. Crawford responded that he had applied for a summer job at the store, but he wasn't hired. He thought he was treated unfairly, and this justified the shoplifting.

What do you think of Crawford's justification? (5 sentences)

Voting

Jan was trying to decide whom to vote for in an upcoming election. After reviewing the candidates she said, "I've decided to vote for Gary because I just feel better about him."

Is Jan's decision based on ethics? If not, why? (at least 3 sentences)

DIRECTIONS: READ FIRST!!

Directions: There are seven posts, posted for today (Jan. 12, 2015) You must comment on a total of 5. There are two posts that you are required to answer: Prayer and What System?. Remember these should be your own answers. You may have to look a few things up in your book in order to get the correct answers.

Make sure you add your name to each post!

Prom

Cracked Mirror, a locally well known rock group, contracts to play for your high school prom. A week before the dance, the group cancels its appearance. A teacher finds out that the band took the opportunity to perform in a concert that will pay them $800 more. The class president's mother is an attorney and offers her services to the school.

If you sue the band for damages, what would be an appropriate amount and why?

Prayer

*REQUIRED*

Suppose the principal of your public school required all students to recite a prayer at the start of each school day. What level of government (federal, state, or local) is most likely to rule against such action?

Firecrackers

On a two-week vacation in a neighboring state, you buy several large firecrackers and take them home. A police officer notices them in your car on a routine traffic stop. She cites you for possession of an illegal explosive device, which is a felony in your state.

Will the fact that possession of fireworks in the neighboring state is not even a crime be a defense for you? Why or why not?

Criminal Behavior

Why are the fines the courts assess for criminal behavior generally paid to the government and not to the victim of the crime?

What system?

*REQUIRED*

Would you rather be under the control of a system of common law or positive law?

Write a short paragraph explaining your choice. Must be at least 5 sentences.

Income Taxes

Your friend Bill has shared with you his dream of getting rid of the income tax. He says that, if the people wanted to, they could pass a Constitutional Amendment that would eliminate the tax.

Is he correct? Explain.

Fit of Anger

In a fit of anger a wealthy acquaintance of yours throws a bat at your car. The bat bounces off the side of the car and hits you in the face. Your friend Bill tells you that it won't do you any good to report it to the police. "Even if they do prosecute her, you can't get anything as a result."

Is your friend correct? Explain. (at least 3 sentences)

Directions: Read First!!!

INSTRUCTIONS: You must comment/reply to 4 of the following posts. The what is law post is required to be answered. The rest of them are your choice, be sure to follow the specific directions for each post. You will need to include your name in the Comment As area--choose: Name/URL or Google and it will allow you to type your name in. Please only use your first name and last name initial.

You will be given a grade.

Federal Government vs. State Government

You are a citizen of the United States in 1791. In your mind, which is the most important government to you--the federal government or your state's government? Why? Which one is making the laws that have the greatest effect on you?

Speed Limits

Sonoma County passed a law making it legal to drive 65 mph on freeways inside the county. A state law limited all vehicles anywhere in the state to 55 mph. What is the valid speed limit on freeways inside this county? Why do you think this?

Cell Phones

What type of cell phone do you own? What are the pros and cons of your cell phone? If you could buy a different cell phone which one would you purchase and why?

School Uniforms

What are your thoughts about having school uniforms? Would having school uniforms help students feel like they fit in more? Support your opinion with at least 5 sentences.

What is law?

REQUIRED: What is your definition of law?

Christmas Memories

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory? Type a short paragraph describing it. (at least 5 sentences) In addition to your 5 sentences also include the following information:

• your age at the time
• 3 specific things you remember seeing at the event
• 3 specific things you remember hearing at the event
• 2 adjectives that describe your strongest emotions at the time