AS Level Law Assignment 1 - Police Powers
Task
You will be set one of the following questions:
Police officers on patrol believe that a man that they see, Shane, is a suspect wanted for burglary. Outline the powers of the police to stop and search and if necessary to arrest the man. [20 marks]
Shane has been arrested by police and taken to the police station. Discuss the extent of any protections he enjoys while at the police station. [20 marks]
(2002 Specimen Paper)
or
Homer Simpson, aged 35, has been arrested for the murder of Ned Flanders.
(a) Explain what powers the police have to detain, search and take samples from Homer at the Police Station in a case of murder. [20 marks]
(b) Explain and comment on how Homer's rights are protected during his detention. [25 marks]
(June 2002)
or
(a) Describe the powers the police have with regard to both stop and search and arrest. [25]
(b) Briefly outline how the rights of the citizen are protected from abuse of power and comment on whether these powers are adequate. [20]
(January 2002)
or
Tyrone, aged 16, has missed the last bus and has to walk home. It is 2 a.m. and a police officer driving past in a police car sees Tyrone and stops. The police officer tells Tyrone to empty his pockets. Tyrone is tired and becomes annoyed at this. He refuses to do so and keeps on walking. The police officer then grabs Tyrone by the shoulder and pushes him into the police car. Tyrone is taken to the local police station.
(a) Explain what powers the police have to stop and search someone, and when the police have the right to arrest someone. [30]
(b) Advise Tyrone on whether the police officer acted lawfully within his powers. [15]
(June 2001)
or
(a) Describe the powers the police have in respect of detention, including body searches and interviews, of a suspect at a police station. [15]
(b) Explain and comment on the ways in which such a suspect's rights are protected. [30
(January 2001)
or
Desmond, aged 26, has been arrested by the police on suspicion of murder.
(a) Describe the police powers in respect of detention, body searches and interview at the police station in such a case. [30 marks]
(b) Advise Desmond of his rights while he is detained. [15 marks]
(2000 Specimen Paper)
'OLD STYLE' QUESTIONS
1. Charlie, aged 16, when walking down a street near his home is stopped by a police officer, who demands that Charlie empty his pockets. When Charlie asks why, the police officer tells him that he is going to be taken to the local police station. At the police station Charlie is immediately interviewed about a burglary. The interview last for four hours.
Explain what rights Charlie has in this situation and discuss whether these rights have been breached.
(June 2000)
or
2. To what extent does the law relating to police powers (such as those to stop, search, arrest and detain) strike a balance between allowing the police sufficient freedom to investigate crime and adequately protecting the individual's rights?
(May 1999)
or
3. Desmond, aged 26, has been arrested by the police in connection with a murder.
(a) Describe and comment on the police powers in respect of detention, body searches and interview at the police station in such a case. [30 marks]
(b) Critically comment on the role of the Crown Prosecution Service in the case if Desmond is charged with murder. [20 marks]
(May 1998)
or
4. Tony was stopped in the street by a police officer, who insisted that he had the right to search Tony. Nothing was found in the search, but Tony was then taken to the local police station for questioning about a recent burglary.
(a) Advise Tony about his rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. [25 marks]
(b) How adequate are these provisions for safeguarding the liberty of the citizen? [25]
(May 1997)
Guidance
My students should see me in the Law workshop or email me if help is required with this assignment.
Set:
Due:
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