Today, we did individualized research on a topic of our choice. My topic was the constitutionality of SBM (Satellite Based Monitoring) for people on parol in North Carolina. I looked through many documents pertaining to the 4th Amendment, specifically the searches and seizures clause, and the 8th amendment, specifically the cruel and unusual punishment clause. On one side, people argue that the SBM technology is cumbersome and infringes on the right to privacy given by the 4th Amendment. On the other side, people argue that the SBM technology prevents people on parol from committing another crime, which reduces the overall capacity of jails and fixes the nationwide problem of a growing prison population. While researching, I came across Professor Markham’s old blog posts at UNC Chapel Hill, which really helped me understand the topic better and learn more about SBM technology. Overall, the research that I did helped me understand that there are so many different regulations and laws in North Carolina, which are sometimes obscure, but always important to the safety of citizens.
-Travis