We have all seen shows on television or scenes in movies showing people being arrested. But what is the legal and procedural requirements that allow the police to take someones freedom and put them in handcuffs.

Head over to the website www.oyez.org (Links to an external site.) and research the case Atwater v. City of Lago Vista, 532 U.S. 318 (2001).

What was the case about?

What did it say about seizures?

How does the concept of probable cause factor into  arrests?

Why is all of this important?

Can you think of any incident or case where you felt that the police should not have had a right to arrest someone?

How does this week’s lesson support your thoughts or change them?