should the u.s. constitution and bill of rights protect everyone? Is it ever o.k. to strip a human of their rights and not afford them the same equal rights of protection and fairness as afforded by the above mentioned?
2007-01-28 16:34:06 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
To respond mainly to the first two respondents, the language of the Constitution does not suggest that these rights are limited only to citizens of the United States but rather to anyone within our borders (this would include illegal immigrants).
"Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. "
As far as enemy combatants go, you are correct that the Constitution does not apply as the Geneva Convention does apply. The Geneva Convention grants many of these same rights to a fair trail and due process.
2007-01-28 17:05:52 · answer #1 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are a legal citizen yes, if not you've already broken our laws and subjected innocent people to disease and more crime, I have had all my shots and have been tested for TB because I worked with illegal immigrants,( that I didn't know ) the company hired them and when they found out they had fake I.D. they all ran out of the building and now it's showing positive for being in contact with it. What did I do but go to work to make a living for my children. I think if someone comes in to the USA and doesn't have their papers and shots they should have to pay for the crimes they have committed,and the disease that they give people from trying to make a honest living, in my own country.
2007-01-29 01:04:08 · answer #2 · answered by queenie one 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Protection offered under the laws of the US Constitution should be used only to protect US citizens or military personnel. No illegal immigrants should be covered by this.
Mark
2007-01-29 00:46:30 · answer #3 · answered by Mark C 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. But if you're talking about enemy combatants, the Constitution does not apply to them. They only breath air by our good graces. When we are through crushing information out of them with big rocks, we should kill them.
2007-01-29 00:42:18 · answer #4 · answered by Tropical Weasel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes everyone should be treated equally. It's as simple as that it scares the crap out of me to know there are such heartless people in the world.
2007-01-29 01:01:42 · answer #5 · answered by Beaverscanttalk 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋