Constitutional Law

(Bill of Rights Edition)

Let’s debate!
Learning Targets

● I can apply my knowledge of the

Bill of Rights to real world
scenarios.
● I can share my opinion with my
classmates.
Interpreting the Bill of Rights
● Throughout history there have been MANY court cases or legal challenges
where the Bill of Rights has been used. Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
● Here are two examples: 5th Amendment

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

1st Amendment

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 Activity
The following are scenarios which may or may not violate rights established by the Bill
of Rights.

Use your paddle to vote “Yay” (yes) or “Nay” (no) if you think the scenario violates a
right or not.

We will have time to discuss in smaller groups and then present arguments.

*THESE SCENARIOS ARE FICTION*

Scenario # 1

Ally loves to ride her bike up and down the coastal highways of Maine. One day
she is out on a bike ride when a police officer pulls her over and says they need to
search her bike. When Ally asks why, the police officer says, “I don’t need a
reason.” Ally reluctantly lets the officer search her bike, thinking she has nothing to
hide. During the search, the police officer finds a stolen candy cane. Ally claims it
was given to her by a friend, but in the end, receives a fine for the stolen candy
cane.

Were Ally’s rights violated?

Scenario #2

Lucas was accused of stealing candy canes from Mr. Fernandez, but after a very
long and difficult trial, he was proven innocent! Several weeks later, Lucas was
accused of stealing candy canes from Mr. Durham and was once again charged
with stealing candy canes. Lucas argued that because he had already been
proven innocent of stealing candy canes from Mr. Fernandez, he could not be tried
again for stealing candy canes from Mr. Durham.

Were Lucas’s rights violated?

Scenario #3

The state of Maine recently passed a law that made November 1st
Lobster Day, which will close all schools across Maine on that day.
The Federal Government now wants Mainers to pay higher taxes,
which they call the “Lobster tax” because of their new holiday.

Does the Federal Government have the right to do that?

Scenario #4
Lucas, the famed candy cane thief, is at it again. This time, he is caught
red handed after a long car chase with a truckload of stolen candy canes
in downtown Saco. After yet another long difficult trial, Lucas is convicted
of stealing the candy canes. However, as the trial takes place in Saco,
Lucas argues that the trial should have taken place in his hometown of
Biddeford and calls for a mistrial.

Were Lucas’s rights violated?

Scenario # 5

Lizzy is an 8th grader. One day she decided she no longer

wanted to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school and her
teacher sent her to the principal's office. She was told she
had to say the pledge or she would get in further trouble.

Were Lizzy’s rights violated?

REAL Legal Rulings

Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940)

-Decision stated that students could be required to say the pledge.

West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)

-Decision stated that students could NOT be required to say the pledge.

*Under God was added by legislation in 1954*

Work Cited
Bomboy, Scott. "The history of legal challenges to the Pledge of Allegiance."
Constitution Center. National Constitution Center. 14 June 2020.
<constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-latest-controversy-about-under-god-in-the-pledge-
of-allegiance>
EXIT TICKET