Civics and Government for Kids: Lessons, Activities, and Guides

Civics is the study of citizenship and how a system of government works. Studying civics in the United States includes learning about the different branches of the government and how they work together. Understanding civics prepares you to be a part of adult society, following laws and voting for people to represent you in government…

The Legal Definition of the Fourth Amendment

The U.S. Constitution is the foundational legal document of the United States. It enumerates the powers that are held by the U.S. federal government and specifies that powers “not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.” Thus,…

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Can The Police Force Me To Give A DNA Sample If I Am Arrested?

In California, police can take a DNA sample from any person who is arrested on probable cause for a felony offense. They cannot collect DNA samples from suspects arrested only on misdemeanor charges. Police in all 50 states are currently empowered by law to take DNA samples from persons who have been convicted of a felony…

Criminal Justice History: A Guide to the U.S. Legal System

Criminal Justice History: A Guide to the U.S. Legal System

The dual court system is considered to be one of the most interesting, important and confusing judiciary features in the United States. This simply means that each level of the government—both national and states levels—have a set of courts of its own. Because of this, each state in the country has its own court system;…