Scenario: A local government decides to seize a portion of private land to build a new public highway. The landowner, whose family has owned the property for generations, receives a notice that they must surrender their property immediately. However, the government offers no compensation for the land, arguing that the highway is needed to benefit the entire community. The landowner challenges the action, insisting that while they understand the public need, they have the right to receive fair compensation for their property. The dispute escalates, with the government refusing to negotiate or provide payment, claiming that the project must move forward quickly. Which amendment protects the landowner’s right to receive just compensation for the seized property?

Scenario: Congress passes a law to help fund public infrastructure projects by imposing a federal income tax on all U.S. citizens. A taxpayer challenges the law, arguing that the federal government does not have the authority to impose such a tax. In response, the government cites a constitutional amendment that grants Congress the explicit power to collect income taxes. The taxpayer takes the matter to court, but the government maintains that its authority is supported by the Constitution. Which amendment grants Congress the authority to impose such a tax?

Scenario: A state legislature passes a law that provides different levels of financial assistance for public school students, based solely on the neighborhood in which they live. Parents from less affluent neighborhoods argue that this law creates an unfair disparity in educational funding and denies their children equal protection under the law. Which amendment supports the parents’ claim?

Scenario: A police officer observes an individual walking in a neighborhood late at night. Without any reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the officer stops the individual and demands to search their bag. Despite the individual’s protest that they are not doing anything illegal, the officer insists on the search and finds illegal substances inside the bag. The officer arrests the individual and charges them with possession of illegal drugs. During the trial, the individual argues that the search was unlawful, as the officer had no probable cause or warrant to conduct the search. The prosecution claims that the search was justified based on the circumstances of the individual being in the area late at night. Which amendment could the individual cite in challenging the arrest?

Scenario: A state government enacts a law that restricts citizens from leaving the state without first obtaining permission from local authorities. The law states that residents must apply for a travel permit and provide a valid reason for leaving the state. An individual, who regularly travels out of state for work, challenges the law as unconstitutional, arguing that it unjustly restricts their freedom of movement and violates their fundamental rights as a U.S. citizen. The state argues that the law is necessary for security reasons, but the individual maintains that such restrictions infringe upon rights that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are nonetheless protected. Which amendment could they cite to support their case?

Scenario: A state passes a law that denies public education and healthcare services to individuals who were not born in that state, effectively discriminating against newcomers. A group of residents, including many who recently moved to the state for work, challenges the law as unconstitutional, arguing that all citizens deserve equal protection under the law, regardless of their state of origin. The state argues that the policy is necessary to prioritize limited resources for long-term residents. The residents maintain that the law unfairly targets new arrivals and violates their rights as citizens. Which amendment supports their argument for equal treatment?

Scenario: A group of protesters gathers at a public park to demonstrate against a new law they consider unfair, which affects their rights to access certain public services. They have obtained all the required permits and followed the necessary procedures to ensure their protest is lawful. The group plans speeches and has notified the media of their intention to protest peacefully. However, on the day of the protest, local authorities suddenly declare the demonstration illegal, citing potential unrest and unspecified concerns about public safety. Law enforcement arrives on the scene, using loudspeakers to order the protesters to disperse immediately. When the protesters refuse, arguing that they have the right to peacefully assemble, they are arrested and fined for unlawful assembly. What constitutional protection should the protesters invoke to challenge their arrest?

Scenario: In response to increasing crime rates involving firearms, a state passes a new law banning all private ownership of firearms, mandating that citizens must turn in their weapons to local authorities within 30 days. The law applies to all types of firearms, including hunting rifles, personal handguns for self-defense, and collectible firearms. An individual, who has legally owned a firearm for several years without any prior incidents or criminal activity, receives a notice from the local authorities demanding the surrender of their firearm. The individual refuses to comply, arguing that the new law is unconstitutional as it violates their right to self-defense and the right to bear arms. The state argues that such measures are necessary to ensure public safety in light of recent violence. Which amendment supports the individual’s right to keep their firearm?

There are several behaviors that, if practiced, will limit the risk of a potential lawsuit when practicing as an Athletic Trainer.  Identify at least 3 of these behaviors that were listed in your text and explain how these behaviors can reduce your risk of litigation as a future AT.

If a patient cannot assist with a cart-to-table transfer: