Police slapped hard for prohibiting photography in public place.
Jan 30, 2012 13:40:31 #
http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2012/01/eugene_verdict_clarifies_law_p.html
While this case isn't specifically about still photography it is a landmark case upholding the right of citizens to photograph and video (nearly everyone with a cell phone has photo and video capability) police from a public place. While this occurred in Oregon and a Oregon Jury ruled against the police this has national implications because a Federal Court upheld the verdict finding that Mr. Schlossberg's fourth amendment rights had been violated.
What bothers me about this case is the the arrogance of the one cop. In the print copy of this article it said that the other cops realized that they didn't have the right to order the protesters to move on but the cop against whom the lawsuit was aimed still doesn't think he did anything wrong and would do it again.
While this case isn't specifically about still photography it is a landmark case upholding the right of citizens to photograph and video (nearly everyone with a cell phone has photo and video capability) police from a public place. While this occurred in Oregon and a Oregon Jury ruled against the police this has national implications because a Federal Court upheld the verdict finding that Mr. Schlossberg's fourth amendment rights had been violated.
What bothers me about this case is the the arrogance of the one cop. In the print copy of this article it said that the other cops realized that they didn't have the right to order the protesters to move on but the cop against whom the lawsuit was aimed still doesn't think he did anything wrong and would do it again.
Jan 30, 2012 14:05:49 #
WxGuesser wrote:
This is a no-brainer. Taking someone else's property is called theft. This was a mugging by a public servant.
I'm sure I will never find myself in this situation because I know that might makes right. If a cop decides to rough you up and arrest you and you resist, that is a legitimate offense, and you could suffer the consequences. His arm was twisted, his head hit the pavement, and he spent time in jail. The jury said the cop was wrong. Too little too late. I'm sure the exact same thing will happen again somewhere.
Years ago I was riding my motorcycle through a small town in Pennsylvania with maybe a dozen others. I had a very quiet Honda, so noise was not an issue. There was a large sign in the middle of town directing all motorcycles to pull into a side road for a "safety check." I did as I was told and showed my license and registration. They didn't seem to care if I had insurance or not. Then I was sent on my way.
This was a very minor event in my life - no pain involved, but it has stuck with me. I get mad every time I think about it.
Jan 31, 2012 06:02:04 #
When you see a scene such as you did... {I always carry my little camera on a string around my neck...) Why couldnt you have had the camera on and let it hang and it would capture the whole scene... The Cop probably wouldnt notice since it's not up at eye level.
Jan 31, 2012 07:36:39 #
Mattie wrote:
When you see a scene such as you did... {I always carry my little camera on a string around my neck...) Why couldnt you have had the camera on and let it hang and it would capture the whole scene... The Cop probably wouldnt notice since it's not up at eye level.
If I ever get another motorcycle, I'll keep that in mind, although I wouldn't want to antagonize a guy with a uniform and a gun.
Jan 31, 2012 08:27:50 #
woodworker236
Loc: Western, Pennsylvania Home of the first JEEP
What was the name of the town in Pa?
Jan 31, 2012 08:54:05 #
Jan 31, 2012 10:04:50 #
jerryc41 wrote:
New Hope
woodworker236 wrote:
What was the name of the town in Pa?
New Hope
How ironic!
Jan 31, 2012 10:17:31 #
richnash46 wrote:
How ironic!
jerryc41 wrote:
New Hope
woodworker236 wrote:
What was the name of the town in Pa?
New Hope
How ironic!
Exactly
Jan 31, 2012 10:39:01 #
docrob
Loc: Durango, Colorado
WxGuesser wrote:
power and arrogance - seems to me I see this same dynamic at work nearly every day in the news.......bankers politicians cops Donald Trump.....
Jan 31, 2012 10:55:42 #
Jan 31, 2012 10:58:25 #
Generally speaking, I have respect for law enforcement. It goes with having respect for the law. I have a few friends that are officers, in fact.
However, the people that I know that went to the same high school that I attended, were the bullies. They were people that never did much in class (just showed up), and likely couldn't get a job doing much else.
So I think there is a percentage (not sure how much) of law enforcement that have always been a bit on the bully side of things.
Right or wrong, they have the badge and the gun and even though they work for us, they don't always care.
A person has to stand up for their rights where they can, and at least let the officer know that he is in violation. if they choose to ignore and do it anyway, that's what the courts are for.
However, the people that I know that went to the same high school that I attended, were the bullies. They were people that never did much in class (just showed up), and likely couldn't get a job doing much else.
So I think there is a percentage (not sure how much) of law enforcement that have always been a bit on the bully side of things.
Right or wrong, they have the badge and the gun and even though they work for us, they don't always care.
A person has to stand up for their rights where they can, and at least let the officer know that he is in violation. if they choose to ignore and do it anyway, that's what the courts are for.
Jan 31, 2012 11:07:05 #
les_stockton wrote:
However, the people that I know that went to the same high school that I attended, were the bullies. So I think there is a percentage (not sure how much) of law enforcement that have always been a bit on the bully side of things.
However, the people that I know that went to the same high school that I attended, were the bullies. So I think there is a percentage (not sure how much) of law enforcement that have always been a bit on the bully side of things.
Funny you should say that because one of the high school bullies I know is now working for our local sheriff's dept. I hope I never get stopped by him.
On the other hand, I suppose police depts need a certain amount of aggressiveness in their officers.
Jan 31, 2012 11:08:40 #
Lucian
Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio
it is rather scary seeing this happening more frequently with cops telling bystanders that they are not allowed to film, still or video, anything that they are doing despite them all being out in the open in public. Hope it is not slowly turning into a police state. It's also reassuring to see that our liberties are at least being held up in the courts. Another thing that bears paying attention to is the many cases in the last few weeks or months of military exercises being carried out along with cops in big cities at night with helicopters landing on tops of buildings and in parks etc.
When has that ever happened before and why would there be a need for such a thing and why is it going on all over the place all of a sudden from LA to Miami to Boston and many other big cities. Just go and do a search and take a look at all this, is there something we are not knowing, coming along?
When has that ever happened before and why would there be a need for such a thing and why is it going on all over the place all of a sudden from LA to Miami to Boston and many other big cities. Just go and do a search and take a look at all this, is there something we are not knowing, coming along?
Jan 31, 2012 11:27:16 #
docrob
Loc: Durango, Colorado
Lucian wrote:
it is rather scary seeing this happening more freq... (show quote)
yeah it's called fear and our respective political processes and powers that be are promoting it. Why you ask? Well because "we the people" are starting to wake up and realize the "emperor" (this is a metaphor folks) has no clothes......so how do you keep a large population under control.......scare em.
Jan 31, 2012 12:06:19 #
WxGuesser wrote:
Obviously you weren't around when God gave the police the absolute right to make the rules.
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