Chapter 6 Summary/ Evaluation
Chapter 6 Summary/ Evaluation
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Chapter 6 Summary/ Evaluation
Introduction
The U.S. Constitution
specifically the Fourth Amendment highlights the protection of individuals from
unwarranted seizures, searches, and arrests. This paper presents a summary of
the sixth chapter of the textbook “Criminal Procedure: Law and Practice” by
Carmen Del and Craig Hemmens. In the 10th edition of the textbook,
the authors present how law enforcement agencies need to have a comprehensive
understanding of the arrest laws since failure to abide by such principles
might extensively affect their success of prosecutions. However, the chapter
covers various topics under arrest and the use of force among law-enforcement
agencies.
Summary
The difference between
the words arrest and seizure is considered essential in understanding
connections between persons and law enforcement. Even though the book
classifies all arrests as seizures, the reverse is perceived as false since
some seizures do not lead to arrests. However, the book stresses that the
determination of whether a seizure has happened depends on the examination of a
trial judge or jury in terms of whether a reasonable individual subjected to
the same situation considers it to be a seizure.
Definition of Arrest
Arrests are viewed to
involve four key aspects such as the detention of a person being under arrest,
intention to arrest, possession of arrest powers, and understanding of the
individual being arrested. Nonetheless, there are only two types of arrest,
arrest with warrant and without warrant with each being governed by distinct
legal laws. In each case, law enforcement has the authority to conduct searches
of the one being arrested including their immediate environs.
Evaluation
Based on the legal
concept of “arrest” and “seizure” along with the subtle regulations around
police interaction and the use of force, it is evident that a complete
understanding of such elements is critical for maintaining a law enforcement
system that is just and effective. The differentiation between the two terms
simply exposes the complex nature of police interactions with citizens where
there is a chance for all seizures not to lead to an arrest. In other words,
the distinction conforms with legal doctrines that give more priority to the assessment
of a reasonable individual’s view when determining the occurrence of seizure.
According to the report by the United States Commission on Civil Rights, maintaining
a balance between protecting the rights of individuals and enabling law enforcement
agencies to perform their duties efficiently is critical (Lhamon, 2018). In
other words, the study emphasizes that adherence to customary legal standards,
such as those set forth in Tennessee v. Garner is crucial for ensuring
accountability and preventing excessive use of force in potentially volatile
situations.
Conclusion and Policy Implications
The complex relationship
between seizures, arrests, and the application of force by law enforcement
agencies calls for a well-defined policy that creates a balance between public
safety maintenance and individual rights protection. Similarly, comprehensive
legal frameworks that foster procedural fairness and accountability are
required owing to the differentiation between the two terms and the categorization
of arrests with or without warrants. Moreover, the integration of use-of-force
procedures, simplified by the use-of-force continuum, plays a key role in
equipping law enforcement with the necessary skills to exercise restraint and
judgment during challenging circumstances. Meanwhile, the precedent set by
Tennessee v. Garner (1985) showcases the importance of judiciously employing
deadly force in accordance with the Constitution. However, law enforcement
agencies need to prioritize progressive training, adherence to legal mandates,
and transparency in order to foster good relations between them and the general
public whom they are obligated to serve. Through these approaches, an effective
and just law enforcement system can emerge to promote both public safety and
confidence.
References
Del Carmen, R. V.,
& Hemmens, C. (2016). Criminal procedure: Law and practice.
Cengage Learning.
Lhamon, C. E. (2018).
Police Use of Force: An Examination of Modern Policing Practices. In United
States Commission on Civil Rights (pp. 1–218). https://www.usccr.gov/files/pubs/2018/11-15-Police-Force.pdf
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