Pontiac Repair: No dash lights or tail lights, tail lamps, dash lights

Question
I have a 2001 Grand AM SE.  Last month the lights went out on my dash and I got pulled over by the cops (at night) saying I had no tail lights. I found a blown 20amp fuse under the hood, but when I replace it, as soon as I press on the brake the fuse blows. Any ideas on what to do from here? Any suggestions would be a great help.

Answer
Hi Crystal:

obviously there is a dead short in the brake lamp ckt. and thats why the fuse is blowing. As to where the short is You guess is a good as mine. it could be up near the brake lamp switch or back near one of the tail lamps or anywhere in between. Had any blulbs been replaced in the rear where someone may have had one of the lamps out and possably pinched a wire harness in the back? if so I would start looking there and trace the harness back into the car untill you find where the short is. Good luck :)