| An overview of the PATRIOT Act |
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| The PATRIOT Act officially the United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act was quickly developed and passed after the terroristic attack on September 11, 2001. The PATRIOT Act gives state, federal, and international intelligence agencies the power to conduct surveillance without first going into court and obtaining a warrant. More... |
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| INTOXICATION AS A DEFENSE |
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| Intoxication is defined as a change in a person's mental or physical capacity as a result of the introduction of any substance into the person's body, regardless of whether the substance is alcohol or a drug. Voluntary intoxication is when a person voluntarily places himself or herself in an intoxicated condition. Voluntary intoxication is generally not a defense to the commission of a crime, even if it makes a person unaware of his or her surroundings, makes him or her unconscious, or gives him or her no memory or understanding of his or her offense. More... |
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| Confessions - Fifth Amendment Right to Counsel |
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| The United States Supreme Court held in 1966 in the case of Miranda v. Arizona that a person has a right to an attorney during questioning by the police. The basis for this right is the privilege against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
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| THE FEDERAL "THREE STRIKES" LAW |
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| The Federal "Three Strikes" Law was enacted as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The "Three Strikes" Law requires enhancement of sentencing for a defendant who has been convicted of two prior felonies. More... |
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| RIGHT TO APPEAL |
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| A defendant has a right to appeal his or her final judgment of conviction and sentence by a trial court to a state's appellate court. In order to be considered a defendant for purposes of an appeal, the defendant must have been charged with a crime or the defendant must have committed a criminal offense. More... |
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