Asked by Shaneika Panton on Apr 25, 2024

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Identify three rights guaranteed to those accused of a crime, and discuss how the Supreme Court has altered those rights over time.

Accused of a Crime

The state or condition of being charged with a criminal offense by legal authorities.

Supreme Court

The highest federal court in the United States, endowed with the judicial power to interpret and apply the Constitution, thereby shaping the nation's laws and society.

  • Explore the evolution and historical adjustments made to the rights of people accused of crimes.
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Abhinav ChukkaMay 01, 2024
Final Answer :
Three rights guaranteed to those accused of a crime are the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the right to a fair and speedy trial.

The Supreme Court has altered these rights over time through various landmark decisions. For example, in the 1966 case of Miranda v. Arizona, the Court ruled that suspects must be informed of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney before being interrogated by law enforcement. This decision established the now-famous "Miranda rights" that must be read to suspects upon arrest.

In the 1963 case of Gideon v. Wainwright, the Court ruled that all defendants in criminal cases have the right to legal representation, even if they cannot afford an attorney. This decision expanded the right to legal representation for all accused individuals, regardless of their financial means.

Additionally, the Court has issued numerous rulings that have shaped the right to a fair and speedy trial, such as the 1967 case of Klopfer v. North Carolina, in which the Court held that the right to a speedy trial applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Overall, the Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping and expanding the rights of those accused of a crime, ensuring that individuals are afforded due process and fair treatment under the law.