How 14th Amendment Is Practically Applied
The podcast “Serial” discusses Adnan Syed’s conviction for the murder of Hae Min Lee. Podcast discusses several reasons why Syed was not guilty of the crime. This is mainly due to a lack evidence. The answer to this question is Islamophobia, which was briefly discussed in episode 10. Syed’s parents did not think he was the perfect kid. Jurors must consider his actions, not his race or religion. Adnan was convicted because he is a Muslim, but his religion shouldn’t be a major factor.
The 14th Amendment guarantees “equal treatment under the law”. Adnan is the son of Pakistani immigrants who were born in America. No matter his parents’ origins, Adnan remains an American. The record suggests that Maryland treated the defendant as a non-American when prosecuting him. It is clear that he wasn’t tried solely based on evidence but was also judged on the basis his culture, background and race. Serial’s episode 10 deals with Islamophobia. Adnan’s Muslim faith is easily understandable as a reason why his conviction was so harsh. Vicki-Walsh, the prosecutor for Adnan, told the jury that an investigation had revealed he was able to tag Pakistani assets. Your honor, it’s our opinion that if he is granted bail you will give him a visa to leave the country. The fact that he has been convicted shows how this strategy worked. Adnan did not receive the same treatment as a true American. Adnan would have had a better trial if there was less focus on his ethnicity.
Koenig tells Adnan that he called the police to report Hae in episode 6. Adnan discloses in this episode details that prove he’s not as perfect his parents thought. Adnan’s history of lying is evident, even though he might be living the life of a teenage boy. Adnan admits to Koenig he remembers that phone conversation and that he was high. “Being high and having the police dial your number is the most absurd thing,” explains Adnan. Adnan told Koenig: “I won’t forget that.” His actions were more important than his race at the trial.
Islamophobia is not the only issue in this trial. The prosecutor states that the fact that he has Pakistani relatives makes him more likely flee. The prosecutor’s attitude is clearly anti-Islamic. Adnan’s skin color played a role in Adnan’s conviction. But the prosecution’s focus should have been on Adnan’s actions.
