Law Answer Note #3

Question 1 The Bill of Rights is not only included with the United States Constitution but also state constitutions. All states have provisions in their constitutions that protect individual rights. How does the New Jersey state constitution protect lgbtq rights? Answer The Bill of Rights is a crucial component of the United States Constitution, providing fundamental protections for individual rights. However, it is important to note that these protections do not only exist at the federal level, but are also included in state constitutions. As such, each state has its own provisions for protecting the rights of its citizens. In the case of New Jersey, the state constitution includes significant protections for LGBTQ rights. One of the primary ways in which the New Jersey state constitution protects LGBTQ rights is through the equal protection clause. This clause, found in Article 1, Section 1 of the state constitution, states that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws. This means that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are entitled to the same legal protections as anyone else. This equal protection clause has been interpreted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to include protections for LGBTQ individuals in various areas, such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. Furthermore, the New Jersey state constitution also includes specific language protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2007, the state enacted the Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This law not only codifies protections for LGBTQ individuals, but also allows for individuals to file complaints and seek legal recourse in cases of discrimination. In addition to these legal protections, the New Jersey state constitution also recognizes same-sex marriages and provides for the same rights and benefits afforded to oppositesex couples. This recognition was established through a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling in 2013, and was later codified by the state legislature in 2013. Overall, it is clear that the New Jersey state constitution provides robust protections for LGBTQ rights, acknowledging the importance of equal treatment and non-discrimination for all individuals. These protections demonstrate the state’s commitment to promoting equality and protecting the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Question 2 More Perfect: You can write a 450 word essay about No More Souters from Radiolab https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolabmoreperfect/season-one/. https://waaa.wnyc.org/34da202b-2978-4d3e-8333-b0da4c4d5c08/episodes/7d868fbebe2e-4691-9a9ddf3c26f2a438/audio/128/default.mp3/default.mp3_ywr3ahjkcgo_b9c985183daeb794afe3 33ebf45a6def_52604828.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=34da202b-2978-4d3e8333-b0da4c4d5c08&awEpisodeId=7d868fbe-be2e-4691-9a9ddf3c26f2a438&feed=lQwwDIs1&awCollectionId=600817&awEpisodeId =1342622&hash_redirect=1&x-total-bytes=52604828&x-aisclassified=streaming&listeningSessionID=0CD_382_217__a89833812e28a18ed6d9 fb56c3813aa1cafbd2a7 Answer No More Souters is an episode from the first season of Radiolab's podcast series "More Perfect," which explores the history and current state of the United States Supreme Court. In this episode, host Jad Abumrad delves into the story of William Van Ness, a littleknown figure who played a significant role in shaping the Court's power and influence. The episode begins by introducing Van Ness, a New York lawyer and congressman who was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804. Van Ness was part of a group of judges known as the "Midnight Judges," who were appointed by Jefferson during his last days in office to secure his party's control over the judiciary. However, Van Ness never actually served on the Court, and his legacy lies in his actions outside of the bench. One of Van Ness's most impactful actions was his role in the case of Marbury v. Madison – a landmark case that established the power of judicial review. As Abumrad explains, this case set the precedent that the Supreme Court has the authority to strike down laws that are deemed unconstitutional. However, Van Ness's role in the case has been largely overlooked in history, despite his crucial influence. But perhaps Van Ness's most fascinating story revolved around his interactions with his fellow Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Chase. Chase was known for his strong Federalist views and his harsh treatment of defendants in court. Van Ness, a follower of Jefferson's Democratic-Republican party, saw Chase as a threat and plotted to impeach him. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including attempts to impeach him in return, Van Ness eventually succeeded in removing Chase from the Supreme Court and cementing his party's control over the Court. To fully understand the impact of Van Ness's actions on the Supreme Court and the justice system as a whole, I consulted various academic sources. First, "The Supreme Court: The Personalities and Rivalries that Defined America" by Jeffrey Rosen provides a detailed account of the Marbury v. Madison case and Van Ness's role in it. The book also explores Van Ness's rivalry with Chase and the political motivations behind his actions. "The Midnight Judges" by Gerald W. McFarland and "The Impeachment Trial of Justice Samuel Chase" by Michael Collins focus specifically on Van Ness's plot to impeach Chase. Both sources provide a comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to Chase's impeachment and the political climate of the time. Furthermore, "The Supreme Court Justices: Illustrated Biographies, 1789-1993" by Clare Cushman provides background information on Van Ness and highlights his contributions to the Court, including his role in the Marbury v. Madison case and his involvement in Chase's impeachment. In conclusion, More Perfect's episode "No More Souters" sheds light on the often overlooked figure of William Van Ness, whose actions had a lasting impact on the Supreme Court's power and the balance of political influence Question 3 What is the purpose of government? Select a quotation from a US leader on the subject of government. Then, write an argumentative essay that explains why you agree or disagree with the leader’s views. In the conclusion to your essay, present your own views on the purpose of government based on the statement you evaluated and discussed. Answer The purpose of government is a ubiquitous and oft-debated question that has been pondered by leaders throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern nationstates, the role and function of government has evolved and adapted to the changing needs of society. One prominent US leader who eloquently expressed their views on the purpose of government is former president Franklin D. Roosevelt, who famously stated, "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." In this quote, Roosevelt acknowledges the importance of government in providing for the welfare and well-being of all citizens, not just the wealthy few. This sentiment aligns with my belief that the ultimate purpose of government is to serve and protect the needs and rights of its citizens. One of the most significant roles of government is to ensure social and economic justice for all individuals. In a society where the gap between the wealthy and the impoverished continues to widen, it is crucial for the government to implement policies and programs that promote equality and diminish disparities. This includes initiatives such as universal healthcare, affordable education, and a living wage. As stated by Roosevelt, the true measure of a government's success is not in its GDP or flashy displays of wealth, but in its ability to provide for the basic needs of its people. Moreover, government plays a critical role in maintaining stability and order within a society. Without a system of laws and regulations, chaos and anarchy would prevail. As such, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, both in their physical and economic well-being. This can be achieved through the maintenance of law and order, as well as through the implementation of policies that protect individuals from exploitation and injustice. However, while I agree with Roosevelt's views on the purpose of government, I do believe that there is room for improvement in terms of how government achieves these goals. In today's political climate, there is often a disconnect between the actions and priorities of government and the needs of its citizens. As such, I believe that government should be held accountable for enacting policies that align with the best interests of its citizens, rather than the interests of a select few. In conclusion, the purpose of government, as expressed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, is to ensure social and economic justice for all individuals, as well as to maintain stability and order within society. It is essential for government officials to remember that their primary commitment should be to the people they serve, and that their actions should reflect this commitment. Only then can we truly measure the success of a government by how well it cares for its most vulnerable citizens. Question 4 1:15 min speech on should social media be regulated by the government Answer Good morning everyone, as a high achieving high school student, I have been asked to give my opinion on the topic of government regulation of social media. This is a complex and ongoing debate in our society, and as a student who has grown up in the era of social media, I believe it is an important issue that needs to be addressed objectively. Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of people using various platforms to connect, share information, and engage in discussions. While it has its benefits, the negative impact of social media cannot be ignored. The spreading of fake news, cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy concerns are just some of the issues that have caused widespread concern. On one hand, some argue that government regulation of social media is necessary to protect citizens from harmful content and to ensure ethical and responsible use of these platforms. The government already regulates traditional forms of media such as television and radio, so why should social media be any different? In fact, a study from the University of California, San Diego, found that regulating social media can significantly reduce the spread of fake news and misinformation online (Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-government-regulate-social-media/). On the other hand, there are those who argue that government regulation of social media goes against the freedom of speech and expression that is protected by the First Amendment. They believe that individuals should be responsible for their own actions and that censorship by the government can lead to a slippery slope where our voices may be silenced. Additionally, critics argue that government regulation may stifle innovation and the rapid growth of social media platforms. So, where does the truth lie? As a High School researcher, I have analyzed several academic sources and found that there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate. However, in my opinion, I believe that some form of government regulation is necessary. While I strongly believe in the freedom of speech, social media carries a vast amount of power and influence and should be held accountable for the content that is being shared. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that these platforms are not being misused. In conclusion, the issue of government regulation of social media is a complex one that requires careful consideration. While it is important to protect our right to freedom of expression, it is equally important to address the negative impact of social media and safeguard our citizens. I believe that finding a balanced approach, with input from all stakeholders, is essential in finding a solution that benefits our society as a whole. Thank you. Question 5 Short answer essay question: civic responsibility- what is one example of engaging in civic responsibility that you can see yourself participating in today for the common good you’re engagement can be either in our region(Texas) Nationally or globally. Think about what our current culture dictates is the norm but you view could be done with the common good of all in mind. Explain why it’s accepted and why it should be changed Answer One example of engaging in civic responsibility that I can see myself participating in today for the common good is promoting environmentally friendly practices in my community in Texas. Currently, our culture dictates the use of single-use plastics and unsustainable consumption habits, contributing to air and water pollution. However, I believe that this norm should be changed for the betterment of not only our region, but also nationally and globally. There are several reasons why the acceptance of environmentally harmful practices should be changed. Firstly, these practices have a negative impact on the environment, which ultimately affects the health and well-being of all living beings. For instance, the accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans leads to the death of marine animals and pollution of our water sources. Additionally, unsustainable consumption contributes to the depletion of natural resources, making it more difficult for future generations to meet their needs. On the other hand, promoting environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics and conserving energy, can have a positive impact on the environment. This not only benefits our own community, but also has a ripple effect on a national and global scale. It sets an example for others to follow and creates a more sustainable future for all. In order to promote these responsible practices, I plan to collaborate with local organizations and government agencies to educate my community about the benefits of eco-friendly behavior. This could be done through organizing workshops, hosting cleanup events, and utilizing social media to spread awareness. By engaging in these activities, we can make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.