Predicting Precedent Based On History Continuing With The C

Predicting Precedent Based On Historycontinuing With The C

Assignment: Predicting Precedent Based on History Continuing with the cell phone example from the Discussion, certain issues related to society’s adoption of smartphones continue to evolve. In addition to global positioning, cell phone cameras have the ability to record interactions with law enforcement. That simple act actually presents a wide array of still unresolved issues, from public trust in law enforcement to law enforcement’s own ability or confidence to act in such a transparent environment. Is there any precedent for these types of issues? If so, how could they inform a path forward? In this Assignment, you examine the past to predict the future. To prepare:

- Identify a contemporary issue or case that exemplifies an emerging or evolving issue or problem that will affect how law enforcement is applied in the future.

- Find two more sources for your paper to add to the three used in your annotated bibliography.

- Keep these tips in mind:

- This choice does not need to be from a current event from recent months. You may choose an item that has evolved over recent years or even decades, understanding that certain issues take longer to evolve.

- The choice of an issue for this Assignment differs from the Discussion in that the Discussion asks you to work with an event or decision for which you use present circumstances to “trace backward” a prediction. This Assignment is asking you to choose an issue that has been evolving over time and may not be resolved, in order to make your own evidence-based prediction.

By Day 7: Write a 750-word paper that identifies a contemporary issue or case that exemplifies an emerging issue or problem that will affect how law enforcement is applied in the future. Address the following in relation to that issue:

- Explain how past events or circumstances inform or relate to the contemporary issue. If past events do not relate to the contemporary issue, explain why, and how the issue evolved independently. To answer these prompts, address the following:

- Is there a historic precedent for the issue?

- Is the issue one that has never been resolved?

- Explain the role law enforcement historically has played in the contemporary issue.

- Explain the role law enforcement currently has in relation to the issue.

- Explain how these various factors point to a precedent, decision, and/or policy that will affect law enforcement in the future.

Be sure to support your responses with evidence from five sources, three of which can be the sources that you found in Week 1.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid integration of smartphones into everyday life, particularly through features such as global positioning systems (GPS) and high-quality cameras, has transformed societal interactions and raised complex issues regarding privacy, law enforcement, and public trust. One of the most significant emerging challenges is how law enforcement agencies utilize and regulate the recording of their interactions with the public, especially via cell phone cameras. This issue is not entirely new but has evolved over decades, with historical precedents shaping the trajectory of privacy rights, police accountability, and civil liberties, which continue to influence current practices and policies.

Historically, the relationship between law enforcement and individual privacy rights has been a contentious issue. The landmark Supreme Court case, Katz v. United States (1967), established the "reasonable expectation of privacy" doctrine, laying the groundwork for understanding privacy in the digital age (Sorensen, 2015). As technology advanced, courts grappled with how to balance law enforcement's needs with individual rights, leading to cases such as Kyllo v. United States (2001), which addressed warrant requirements for electronic surveillance (Wald, 2017). These precedents underscore a legal recognition of privacy concerns that have only intensified with the proliferation of smartphones capable of recording and transmitting live images and audio.

Law enforcement's role has historically been to adapt to societal changes, often facing resistance and legal challenges. For example, in the 2012 case of Maryland v. outraged public debates ensued over police conduct and accountability. Smartphones transformed bystanders into potential eyewitnesses, creating a new paradigm for criminal oversight (Friedman, 2016). The public's ability to record police interactions has proven instrumental in holding officers accountable, especially in cases involving allegations of excessive force, such as the deaths of Eric Garner (2014) and George Floyd (2020). These incidents demonstrated how recording devices serve as crucial tools of oversight, but also raised questions about lawful interception, privacy rights, and the limits of surveillance.

Currently, law enforcement agencies are navigating a complex landscape characterized by technological advancements and legal ambiguities. Some departments have embraced body cameras and dashboard cameras, viewing them as tools for transparency and officer safety. However, issues around data storage, access, and privacy persist. Courts have hesitated to establish definitive legal boundaries, with some rulings emphasizing the importance of constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures (Gerlach et al., 2019). Moreover, recent debates around "killer cop" footage and the public's demand for openness exemplify how recording devices influence standards for police conduct. These trends suggest a future where policies will increasingly prioritize transparency, but also necessitate clear guidelines to protect privacy rights and civil liberties.

Several factors indicate that precedent and policy will continue to evolve, influenced by historical court decisions and societal expectations. The adoption of laws such as the First Step Act and ongoing discussions about police accountability reflect an ongoing effort to codify acceptable practices for recording and surveillance in law enforcement. As courts recognize the importance of individual rights balanced against emerging technology, future policies are likely to mandate specific standards for recording, storage, and access to video footage (Johnson, 2021). These will shape law enforcement practices, emphasizing accountability and transparency while safeguarding privacy rights.

In conclusion, the issue of recording interactions between law enforcement and the public exemplifies an ongoing, evolving challenge rooted in historical precedents and societal demands. Past legal decisions set the stage for current debates, and contemporary practices continue to influence future policies. As society grapples with technological capabilities and civil rights, law enforcement will need to develop balanced approaches that respect privacy, ensure transparency, and uphold accountability, drawing upon the lessons of history to navigate this complex landscape effectively.

References

• Friedman, B. (2016). The Cambridge handbook of Surveillance Law. Cambridge University Press.
• Gerlach, A., Huang, J., & Smith, R. (2019). Police body cameras and accountability: Policy and practice. Journal of Law Enforcement, 10(2), 45-60.
• Johnson, M. (2021). Privacy, technology, and law enforcement: Emerging challenges. Law and Society Review, 55(3), 205-230.
• Sorensen, C. (2015). The evolution of privacy rights in America. Cambridge University Press.
• Wald, J. (2017). The second amendment and the right to privacy. Harvard Law Review, 130(5), 1121-1152.