Is your ID really "personal"?

by Panda 4 Replies latest social current

• 

  Panda

  Now in the Supreme Court is a trial over whether or not you will be legally bound to identify yourself when asked by a police officer.

  In 2000 Mr. Hiibel of Nevada refused to tell an officer his name. He hadn't committed a crime. He was apparently parked on the side of the road arguing with his then teenage daughter and a neighbor called the police to complain about their argument.

  The officer asked for Hiibel's ID and Hiibel refused. Hiibel claims that his Fourth and Fifth Ammendment rights protect his privacy (of his name) and his right to remain silent. In 2000, the officer arrested a non-resisting Hiibel; who was then fined $250 for not giving the officer his ID.

  Hiibel's daughter attacked the officer (in response to her father being arrested) and was photographed being thrown to the ground by police and handcuffed.

  So what sort of precedent will this case establish if we must identify ourselves to any law enforcement official who asks? If we have not committed a crime why should we have to identify ourselves?

  Justices Scalia and O'Connor have both remarked on this case.

  edited to add:

  http://slate.msn.com/id/2096927
• 

  Valis

  better question might be "Is your ID private when you act up in public?"...My answer would be no. AND if you aren't doing anything like "arguing loud enough so others could hear" then why would someone call the cops? Stupid people IMO...unless they are like the people who are protesting the "whites only" scholarship and just making a point, but I doubt it...

  Sincerely,

  District Overbeer
• 

  Panda

  Hmmm...Valis...yes and no because how far do these ammendments protect our privacy? If that's going to be the real issue (not just some dumb guy) then it's important to get a ruling. One of the groups supporting Dudley Hiibel is an advocate group for the homeless. And if you think about it, homeless people are ripe targets for harrassment of this kind.

  PS What's the white scholarship?
• 

  gespro

  When I was a kid my mother would mockingly tell me "Laws are made for Nigaz." I couldn't believe she would say that to me until I got older and now I am basically a target. The chances of me being pulled over while going to the supermarket are greater than someone non-black. I have tons of stories but compared to some, I've had it easy. I've never had an arrest but, I still get to be treated like scum. It's been that way for people of color in this country for a long time. If you're not of the rich and affluent and you are white, you will probably be a target as well. Unfortunately OJ proved that it's nothing but a money game even if you're caught.

  I think I'll start driving a Volvo stationwagon at night...

  g
• 

  gitasatsangha

  knowing Justice Scalia, he probably stated that suspects should be burned at the steak with the ashes divined by priests to determine the origin and identity.