GIDEON’S TRUMPET: A VIEWING GUIDE

Areas of Focus:

The criminal justice system and court room procedures.

The procedures and behind-the-scenes working of the United States Supreme Court.

The concept of judicial review and its place in American constitutional law.

The concept of due process of law and its important role in the American system of government.

The unique role of the Fourteenth Amendment in the nationalization of the Bill of Rights.

Many of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of persons accused of crime.

The importance of social justice and fairness that is inherent in American law.

Role of Precedent (Betts v. Brady)

TERMINOLOGY:

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Writ of Certiorari

In Forma Pauperis Petition

Supreme Court Conference

Rule of Four