Watch the film Amistad (1997) and respond fully to the following questions in your paper. Write your responses based on research/legal theory, not opinion. You will need academic and legal sources to answer many of these questions. I expect an 8-10 page paper with many (more than 10) academic citations/sources. Papers are to be written in word with one-inch margins. Papers must be double spaced and written in times new roman 12 point font.
Questions:
- What is the rule of law? Why is the rule of law important? What role do the courts have in supporting the rule of law? How do the courts presented in the film support the concept of the rule of law? Define justice. Is there a common definition for justice throughout the world? Explain you answer.
- In the movie the character of the Spanish Ambassador told the President Van Buren character that "If you cannot rule the courts, you cannot rule". How did the President Van Buren character respond? How do we ensure independence of courts in the USA? Why is an independent judiciary important?
- Which of the scenes in the film most clearly reveals the immoral and dehumanizing aspect of slavery? (Here your opinion is proper)
- Research and report the nature and extent of slavery today in the world.