Executive Officer Devine Gives Stoughton High Students Lesson on Constitution

The profound impact of the Constitution might not be evident while sitting in a high school classroom, Executive Officer Robert Devine told a room full of Stoughton High students, but “the Constitution is who we are,” he told them, and it offers a guideline as to “how we live our day to day lives.”

Five history classes at , ranging from freshmen to juniors, gathered last Friday morning for a Constitutional lesson from Devine.

The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and Stoughton High was commemorating the signing of this document on Friday the 16th, with Devine’s presentation. History department head John Gallivan arranged for the special visit.

“It’s very important to understand your rights,” Devine told the students. “Know what they are and abide by them.”

His presentation included discussion of various Amendments to the Constitution and how they impact not only the students, but also the police force and their dealings with the public—Amendments like the first (freedom of speech); second (right to bear arms); fourth (right against unreasonable search and seizure); fifth (protection against self incrimination); sixth (due process—right to a speedy, fair trial, and right to a trial by jury); and 14th (Civil Rights).

Devine fielded a number of questions from students and teachers, including why police are allowed to search student lockers during a .

While the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure and police need consent, a warrant, or an emergency situation in order to search private property, Devine said the lockers are school property and the school handbook gives police the right to search the lockers.

“[The Constitution is] a 200-year old document, but it affects us as much today as it did [in 1787],” Devine told the students.

The Constitution set up the United States Government in 1787, Devine explained, but it “holds it in place” today.