John, a 25-year-old college student, was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. He was pulled over by the police for a broken taillight, and during a routine search of his vehicle, the officers discovered a small bag of what appeared to be illegal drugs. John was subsequently charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
Questions:
What legal principles are involved in Johns case, and how do they relate to criminal law?
Is the initial traffic stop of Johns vehicle lawful, considering the broken taillight, and what are the implications for the subsequent search?
What elements must the prosecution establish to prove that John had the intent to distribute the controlled substance, and what potential penalties could he face if convicted?
What rights does John have under the Fourth Amendment in the context of a vehicle search, and could any of these rights have been violated during his arrest?
