Question

WILL FAN AND GIVE MEDAL
Why does the United States protect the rights of people accused of crimes?

Answer 1

@leonardo0430 @bohotness @sikinder

Answer 2

You have the right to:
-a speedy trial
-a public trial
-a trial by jury
-to hire your own attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, one can be appointed to represent you
-to remain silent at trial
-to post bond
-to a plea of not guilty

Answer 3

But why does the United States protect the rights of people accused of crimes?

Answer 4

Why did Southern states begin passing Jim Crow laws when Reconstruction ended?

Answer 5

what?

Answer 6

The main reason is that not everyone who is accused is guilty. Think about the Salem witch trials. If those women had the rights afforded by the Constitution it would have been a lot better for them, right?

Another reason is that even those who have committed a crime need to have rights. A person who has committed a crime is still a person and a citizen, right?

A democratic government is built on a contract between the people and their representatives (a "social contract"). The contract allows the representatives to have power, and in return the people have a right to expect fair treatment, protection, and that their needs will be met.