Rights Violated During Police Interrogation

During this video, the accused, Garreth Stephens who was 18 at the time, was charged with the murder of Steven Baldwin in Clark County, Indiana in 2013. Stephens was later found not guilty of all charges and was released. In the video, it can be clearly seen that the police officer interrogating Stephens is extremely angry towards the accused and is showing a lot of emotion. Later, Stephens attorney stated that during this interrogation, many of Stephen's constitutional rights had been violated.

http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/bill-of-rights/


The fifth and sixth amendments, which link to an individual being fairly represented when being charged with a crime, are clearly violated here by the police officer. Stephens was constantly asking for a lawyer to be present during the interrogation but his requests were denied by the officer. Americans take liberty and freedom very seriously so the fact Stephens was denied his constitutional rights made this case very controversial. Some would say he did not deserve a lawyer present, as he murdered Baldwin, but later he was found not guilty and acquitted of all charges.


I found this case very interesting as it really shows that all Americans are passionate about their freedom and liberty. This example can really connect back to the founding principles of liberty found in the Bill of Rights as it shows that today, freedom to ask for a lawyer and to have a fair trial is still of major importance, even if the said criminal committed a horrific crime.