Civil Rights

Mer av detta

Library programme 2009/10

av Dianne McKenzie

Three Generations of Human Rights Summary

av J'Lyne McDonough

Copyright Basics

av Dawn Corley

The slavery in North America

av Andreu Feltrer

Civil Rights

14th Amendment

Relation to civil rights: This Amendment allowed for more people to be given the rights that they deserve, and by law to be treated equally to one another. Black Americans could finally begin the process of assimilating themselves into the culture that white Americans had built for themselves. Although this did not solve all of the problems of segregation, it was a start, and helped black Americans overall.

Background: Adopted into the United States Constitution on July 9th, 1868, it was named a Reconstruction Amendment because it was within 5 years following the Civil War. This Amendment addresses the rights held by citizens and was established to create equality when it came to all American citizens. The specific problem it was addressing was pertaining to former slaves, who weren't being treated equally to white Americans.

Subtopic

Brown v. The Board of Education

Relation to civil rights: The Supreme Court case of Brown v. The Board of Education was a turning point for the significance of black Americans, as they were granted more rights, and less inequalities in their "segregated" treatment. This expanded the idea of civil rights, because it included everyone, regardless of their race. Everyone should have rights as an American citizen, and with the decision in the Brown v. The Board of Education, this idea was granted a new, more inclusive meaning for people.

Background: There was a great deal of racial segregation when it came to the school system, which limited minorities, who were being taught in lesser facilities. This at the time was not in violation of Amendment 14, because the facilities were deemed "separate but equal," but was still inhumane to the students, not providing them with the opportunities that it should have. Therefore, the plaintiffs in Brown were assertive to create a change, stating that the allegations of "separate but equal" were incorrect, and that black Americans were being provided with less and inadequacies compared to that of white Americans. This supreme court case was defining in American history, and changed the basis of segregation for the country altogether.

16th Amendment

Relation to civil rights: This Amendment not only benefits the government, but allows the government to have money for revisions that people want to make to the country or to the way in which it is run. This income tax allows everyone to be a contribution to the establishment and management of the country, and by everyone paying it it would be cheaper than if it was only charged to specific people.

Background: Adopted into the United States Constitution on February 3rd, 1913, the 16th Amendment was necessary in creating a consistent source of money for the government, and combines all of the smaller taxes that Americans had been paying previously. This Amendment allows for there to be a constant flow of revenue into the government for them to use to improve their systems, defense, as well as public areas for the people to keep them safe. By law, this is a required tax that all people must pay in order to live on the land in which they reside in.

Miranda v. Arizona

Relation to civil rights: The Supreme Court case of Miranda v. Arizona changed the manner in which convicted citizens are treated when it comes to the law. People would be treated fairly, as required by the Constitution in a court of law. People would know all of their rights before having to go under police interrogation, or in front of a judge. These self titled "Miranda Rights" would be read to anyone who is being arrested, to create a systematic approach to conviction that is fair and just.

Background: During the 1960's, there was a time where people urged for defendants in court cases to be provided with legal aid. Civilly, the Legal Services Corporation emerged, which fought for a presence of a counsel in police interrogation. On March 13th, 1963, Ernesto Miranda was arrested for a suspected kidnapping and rape, and later admitted to it. What Miranda didn't know was that he had the right to a counsel, which he was never informed of, nor did he knew he had the right to remain silent before writing his confession. When his lawyer brought up this matter in trial, it was overruled, and Miranda was sentenced 20 to 30 years of prison for each charge. This supreme court case was a defining moment in creating a stronger sense of having a voice in the presence of the government or higher powers.