This week, the Supreme Court ruled on a North Carolina case that essentially says cops don’t really have to know the law. Β It stemmed from a 2009 vehicle search in Surry County when an officer incorrectly thought cars had to have two working brake lights. Β And that’s wrong. Β They only need one. Β All but one of the Justices figure the stop was still okay because police have to make so many quick decisions.
Which, of course, they do. Β But some online posts point out that it sets up a concept of having one interpretation of the law for police and another for us. Β While every officer has some ability to use their own judgment, how many times have you heard it said: “ignorance of the law is no excuse”?
Since the Supreme Court says itΒ isΒ an excuse for police, why can’t it be one for the rest of us?
Plus:
- Greenpeace Clams Up
- Spicy Food = Man’s Man
- C-SPAN Debate Interrupted by Mom
