Week 4: The states are invested with various police powers. However, the federal government limits that police power. Do you think that the control of police power best lies in the federal or state governments?
Week 5: Are Terry stops more in line with the crime control or due process model of criminal justice?
Week 6: Police officers are permitted to approach citizens, ask questions, and even ask for consent to search. These stops are allowed if a reasonable person would feel free to disregard the officer and go about his or her business. At what point does a reasonable person feel that he or she is being detained? When does a consensual stop turn into a seizure?
Week 7: The Supreme Court gives the police some leeway when assessing the legality of police use of force when affecting an arrest. Why does the Court give the police this leeway? Why has the Court not given a “bright line” rule to determine if the force use was excessive?
Week 8: Search warrants must identify the place to be searched and the items to be searched for. Why is this necessary?