Feb. 6, 2014: Constitutional Conversations - 4th Amdt. and new technology/search and seizures

Constitutional Conversations, the award-winning seven-month long examination of our nation’s founding document, resumes its monthly series of workshops on Thursday, February 6th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St. Participants will be divided into discussions on constitutional topics led by William and Mary law students.

The adult section will address the Fourth Amendment and new technology. How have our rights been impacted by new technologies? Is the Fourth Amendment still protecting us? In February’s workshop, we will talk about the evolution of the Fourth Amendment and how the courts have changed their interpretation with the development of new technology. The middle and high school section will discuss Searches and Seizures. What is and is not protected by our right not to be searched? We will discuss how the protections change depending upon the circumstances and the location of the search.

About Constitutional Conversations

Constitutional Conversations is an award-winning, non-partisan, community-based education project designed to send law students into the community to educate citizens about their civic rights and duties. The project is developed and maintained by the Student Division of the Institute of Bill of Rights Law at the William & Mary School of Law, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and the Williamsburg Regional Library. The goal is to inspire students and adults, alike, to become active participants in the democratic process. Instruction in the history and development of our fundamental Constitutional rights is an indispensable foundation for effective civic training for all Americans. It also serves as the basis for the unique engine of human change.

Generally, our instructional program is divided into two workshops, one for middle and high school students and one for adults. Workshops are hosted on a monthly basis at the Williamsburg Regional Library.

The principal aims of the Constitutional Conversations initiative include:

Promoting an understanding of how a constitutional government operates.
Fostering a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles enshrined in our nation’s founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
Promoting informed and responsible participation in civic life, emphasizing the impact citizens can have on policy-making at all levels of government.

Contact

To learn more about Constitutional Conversations, please contact:

Sarah York, Public Relations Coordinator

seyork@email.wm.edu

(845) 750-3209