Photography and the First Amendment: I found this article this morning on MSN and in light of recent discussions on this topic am posting it for all to access. My motivation is, I'm...

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I found this article this morning on MSN and in light of recent discussions on this topic am posting it for all to access. My motivation is, I'm sure, equal parts of helping to bring pertinant information to the forum and sadistic glee in the crap storm that is likely to ensue. But it is interesting reading.

http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/01/11998060-first-amendment-rights-can-be-terminated-when-cops-cameras-dont-mix?lite

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Picdude wrote:

I found this article this morning on MSN and in light of recent discussions on this topic am posting it for all to access. My motivation is, I'm sure, equal parts of helping to bring pertinant information to the forum and sadistic glee in the crap storm that is likely to ensue. But it is interesting reading.

http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/01/11998060-first-amendment-rights-can-be-terminated-when-cops-cameras-dont-mix?lite

very interesting, thanks for posting this.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Picdude wrote:

I found this article this morning on MSN and in light of recent discussions on this topic am posting it for all to access. My motivation is, I'm sure, equal parts of helping to bring pertinant information to the forum and sadistic glee in the crap storm that is likely to ensue. But it is interesting reading.

http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/01/11998060-first-amendment-rights-can-be-terminated-when-cops-cameras-dont-mix?lite

well simple solution - simply become a corporation

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Picdude wrote:

I found this article this morning on MSN and in light of recent discussions on this topic am posting it for all to access. My motivation is, I'm sure, equal parts of helping to bring pertinant information to the forum and sadistic glee in the crap storm that is likely to ensue. But it is interesting reading.
http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/01/11998060-first-amendment-rights-can-be-terminated-when-cops-cameras-dont-mix?lite

Video taping police doing their job and then editing it for public consumption has impeded many a fair trial when it goes that far.
With several LEOs in my family, I can understand why this may be a sensitive subject for law enforcement.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Festina Lente wrote:

quote=Picdude I found this article this morning o... (show quote)

I agree. I have 1 in my family that is a LEO but I know many of them. There are always going to be the bad apples out there who make a bad name for the rest of them.

perpoto

first amendment vs police
difficult time for photographers...
country/police suffering from suspicion..

Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

I think police have been on the defensive about this subject since the Rodney King incident(1992). If officers are simply doing their job and doing it correctly they have nothing to fear from photographers. That said, when photographers become aggressive to the point of interfering with an officer they should be arrested. Instead of deleting the photos or video the officers should be allowed to use that as evidence of the photographer's aggressive behavior. When photographers or news agencies selectively edit photos or videos to paint law enforcement in a negative light that should be considered evidence tampering and have it's own consequences. The Founding Fathers knew what they were doing and framers of the 1st Amendment wrote it well enough that it doesn't need to be tweaked...just enforced.

billj316 Loc: Bedford, VA

I think the editing of any film or photo when used to defame someone by any organisation or person should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Then sued for every thing they have.IMHO

Lionsgate wrote:

I think police have been on the defensive about th... (show quote)

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Picdude wrote:

I found this article this morning on MSN.
My motivation is equal parts of bringing pertinent information to the forum and sadistic glee in the crap storm that is likely to ensue.
http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/01/11998060-first-amendment-rights-can-be-terminated-when-cops-cameras-dont-mix?lite

I generally do NOT agree with the ACLU - however - in the appropriate context - I suppose they can present useful information:
The following informative link was posted in the article noted above.
http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/know-your-rights-photographers

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

There are several posts like this one the most recent is http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-43837-1.html

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Lionsgate wrote:

I think police have been on the defensive about th... (show quote)

I agree completely and would expand this to include "paparatzi' type photographers or any who use these tactics not only with Law Enforcement but private citizens as well. There is a big difference between photographing someone as they pass by and agressively stopping them and/or trapping them to provoke a reaction. It's a normal reaction to fight back when you feel cornered or trapped no matter who you are or what your profession.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Merlin1300 wrote:

quote=Picdude I found this article this morning o... (show quote)

It seems the one point that keeps coming up repeatedly not only in articles but in the several discussions on this forum is "Be polite" (Oddly enough even the ACLU recommended this). You would think there must be someting to that if enough people keep saying it :shock:

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Picdude wrote:

quote=Merlin1300 quote=Picdude I found this arti... (show quote)

Although it's often very tough to remain polite when you're being verbally assaulted by a jack-booted neanderthal storm trooper, your point is well taken.

Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

Absolutely.

Mytherwyn Loc: United States

Merlin1300 wrote:

quote=Picdude quote=Merlin1300 quote=Picdude I ... (show quote)

And if you can't then run that pie hole at "a jack-booted neanderthal storm trooper" and at least get some satisfaction.That will teach them cops.