Archive for the ‘Civil Rights’ Category

Police execute dog while serving search warrant

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Here is some graphic video of police in Missouri (Mizzourah to locals) serving a search warrant. Within seconds, heavily armored officers entered the house and shot two of the family’s dogs, killing one. And who got to witness all of this? The family’s 7 year old boy. Of course, the cops were acting on “the most updated information available” that the home was a distribution site for large amounts of marijuana. What did the cops find? A “small amount” of pot, along with a grinder and personal pipe. Dad is now facing three misdemeanor counts, including child endangerment charges (mom too). Fortunately, the family was compliant during the invasion (smart) and were not harmed. Notice that when the father is arrested, he immediately asks for an attorney (really smart).

Ninth Circuit Asks Brandon Mayfield to Go Home

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

It’s unfortunate to see that Brandon Mayfield lost his challenge to the Patriot Act based on standing. For non-lawyers, standing is a legal concept for whether or not you have the right to challenge a law by filing a lawsuit. I can’t believe that appellate judges truly believe that declaratory judgments don’t impact people or their families. Where’s the help, Ninth Circuit? Hopefully, Mayfield has enough financial backing to file an appeal. A .pdf of the ruling is here.

Remember: when the government arrests you and takes all of your stuff, make sure to get it back before you sign anything.