Criminology

The Fourth, Fifth and the Sixth Amendments of the American constitution are quite crucial in safeguarding the citizens against abuse of power by the government during investigations, seizing, arrests and court hearings. The Fourth Amendment on its side clearly dictates against the act of unreasonable searches and seizes by the police (Heffernan 23). It is evidently clear from this amendment that any search or seizing of on individual property should be legally qualified by a court warrant stating the sanctioned probable cause and its limits (FindLaw).

    The Fifth Amendment on the other side seeks to protect the American citizens against forced confessions during court proceedings (Roxas 17)). It is thus clear that the police are limited to respect the citizens right only to testify and give confessions at will. Police also unlike before the enactment of the Fifth Amendment cannot force a criminal to be witness against himherself (Roxas 19). It is thus clear from the Fifth Amendment that the police are not legally allowed to abuse their power to deprive criminals of their life and liberty as well as property. Such acts should follow the underlying due process of the law.

    The Sixth Amendment also has much impact on the police in their daily operations. First, it clearly dictates for speedy trial of criminals thus requiring the police to ensure fastness in reigning criminals to court (Gardner 22). The police are also required by this bill of rights to provide a notice of accusation to the convicted and ensure availability of favorable witnesses during the hearing. This amendment thus seeks not only to ensure first execution of justice to criminals but also ensures fairness and justice during the court hearings (Gardner 25).

    Therefore, all the three amendment basically functions to provide checks and balances on the abuse of power by the police both during the investigation and prosecution of criminals. All this ensures fairness of treatment and execution of equitable justice to criminals.