A first amendment case out of Alabama

I doubt this makes it to the USSC. Likely to be overturned at first level of appeals, I would think.

 

Alabama being Alabama would lend credence to his beliefs. I'm not sure how he's supposed to have "actual evidence" beyond his own personal experiences. Are you expecting him to put together a study on racial bias in this judge's sentencing before offering his opinion?

We agree that both the judge and the cop are a-holes, at least.

 

It is silly what some small time judges get their asses up on their back over.

 

Always be respectful to police officers; not because they deserve it; because it leads to you being on your way with the least amount of BS. Check your ego; don't expect the police officer to check his. If there's a problem that you believe needs to be addressed, file a complaint later. I'm not saying what the police officer did is right; I'm not saying what the judge did is right, but come on, apply a little common sense. You've got your kids in the car, lead by example. We've read about all kinds of abuse cases from police and judges over the years; why not take the path of least resistance until you are through your situation. THEN if you want to escalate, do so without anything hanging over your head.

Also, if you are not going to be an ego checker, be sure to get a dash cam and record multiple angles of the encounter. Ask for the police officer's camera. Sometimes AH meets AH and people each get what they deserve (not saying that's necessarily the case here, but if you're going to challenge, be prepared).

If I took up every confrontation that I thought warranted a more appropriate solution, I'd never have time to enjoy life. This whole thing just reads as people that don't know how to interact with one another...my money is on each of them having an opportunity to make better decisions.

Go GATORS!
,WESGATORS

 

He has evidence. That evidence is his personal experience. It's your call whether you think it's compelling evidence, but it is evidence. And he has every right to speak his truth.

Yeah, this response deeply bothers me. The idea that we should have to walk on eggshells because we can't trust police officers and judges not to abuse their authority in what is supposed to be a free country is appalling.

Let's stop talking about what's prudent to avoid egotistical tyrants abusing their power and start talking about how to rein in those egotistical tyrants and hold them responsible for abusing their power. As long as people let them get away with this shit, they'll keep doing it.

 

All this because the cop would not move and the driver had to drive around him? Yes, this is what the First Amendment court case should be about.

 

Is that really what you got out of reading about this?

 

It becomes a “1st amendment case” because the judge sentenced the guy to “30 days or an apology”. Under any plain reading of the constitution the “judge” has no authority to order an apology, even when one of the parties is a butthurt and unprofessional cop.

 

Unusual for you to make a post like this one.
I’m on the side of Wes. Just be polite and be on your way.
Cops have big egos….newsflash.
I’m not in favor of anyone disrespecting a policeman.

 

He’s not in a position to have evidence.

But it’s certainly a valid hypothesis. Maybe with extra attention on the cop/judge, the hypothesis gets tested? Otherwise they carry on with whatever corruption (or racism) led to this nonsense.

 

1. Don't disrespect the police. No need for it, and there's always the chance of this or something worse happening.
2. The judge's order was ridiculous. I can't imagine it will survive appeal, but I've been wrong before.

 

The land of the free. Show respect.. or else!

Where "something worse" is an actual, dare I say probable, result of not showing "respect." Are you sure we're not talking about the mafia?

 

Plenty of policemen dish out dish out disrespect, so they shouldn't get mad when it gets thrown back at them. Anyway, not surprised the cop glazers would be defending them.

 

They're not known as the biggest gang in America for nothing

 

If he went to pay the ticket (which implies there was no contesting it), why was there a judge involved? All the tickets I paid in person, I paid a clerk and was on my way.