Canyons Law Group – Origins of the Project
Canyons Law Group’s Constitutional Education Initiative is part of an ongoing effort to provide access to legal education opportunities and information to individuals and attorneys, regarding principles and rights outlined or established in both state and federal constitutions, and with an emphasis on how these rights and principles affect real people in their everyday lives.
Constitutional Rights – Stronger When Exercised
The initiative was in part motivated by an article written by a local city attorney in a small Utah town, published in the town’s newsletter, and distributed to all the town’s residents – presumably for the benefit and enlightenment of the local citizenry. After reading the newsletter, one of our attorneys expressed some concern that the article was (unintentionally) misleading and confusing on certain important rights that are guaranteed and protected by the United States Constitution.
The attorney’s concerns were confirmed as he discussed the article with various “real people” (i.e. non-lawyers). While the government-employed city attorney may have had good intentions, what had been written left many readers with the mistaken impression that certain constitutional rights only applied under certain circumstances or conditions. Rather than educating the public on important rights that are constitutionally guaranteed and protected, the article instead explained the history of certain court decisions that established when and under what circumstances law enforcement officers are required to inform an individual of their constitutional rights. This approach had the unfortunate effect of leaving many readers with the belief that these rights only existed when law enforcement provided certain warnings.
The United States Constitution creates some rights. Many other rights exist independent of the Constitution, but are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution. Similar principles apply to state constitutional rights as well. Our goal is to help real people understand these important rights, and the responsibilities and protections that accompany them.
Constitutional Topics
New information should be frequently available through this page, or use the search feature to find articles on specific information. You may also contact us directly to see how an experienced attorney can help you.
Posts
First Amendment – Freedom of Expression
Fifth Amendment – Don’t Say Anything
Defending the Constitution – Ordinary Lives
Voting and Letting Your Voice Be Heard
Red States – Blue States – United States
