I got arrested for calling a cop an a-hole.

[beddo]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplinsky_v._New_Hampshire

o___o
Shit

This is mostly irrelevant. Just because the Supreme Court of 1942 decided to ignore the US Constitution doesn't mean their argument was valid.

Of course by its nature the law is entirely arbitrary but from a strictly logical position Freedom of Speech has no limitation.

 

[MattRooney06]

errr i dunno about in america if your there

but not in britain

 

[Bat Vader]

I hate cops, they always flip me off and act like such assholes, then if you say something like "Stop being such a dick!" they arrest you! Pricks, I hope they all turn into the coke whores they never seem to catch because they're too busy searching a 15-year-old, because apparently, I looked like I was "intoxicated"
I WAS FUCKING TIRED BECAUSE I HAD TO WALK 8Km TO MY FUCKING HOUSE BECAUSE THE STUPID FUCKING SCHOOL BUS BROKE DOWN! Damn I hate cops!

Not all cops are like that. Most people become cops because they actually want to help make a difference in the world by stopping criminals.

I'm afraid the experience from most would tend to disagree with you. If they wanted to stop criminals then they would walk into the NSA building and arrest them all for illegal wiretapping.

Cops become cops because they can't do anything else. They have power trips and want to control the lives of others. There's nothing to stop police having criminal records or kick them out for commiting a crime.

They're ALL scum. Also, tell me this, how many police officers would arrest their partner if they saw them strike someone without cause? Enforce the law my arse.

That is a bit of a generalization isn't it? Yes, some cops are corrupt but saying all cops are like that is like saying everyone who plays video games is fat and lazy. It just isn't true.

I am sure there are some police officers out there who would gladly arrest their partners for police brutality. Sadly they don't.

 

[beddo]

It doesn't matter if you think it's fair or not, unfortunately life isn't fair. You don't go around insulting police no matter how much they deserve it, this is something everyone seems to understand but you. Learn to swallow your pride and just be polite next time.

Being impolite is not illegal.
What is unethical is not always illegal.

God how do people not get this?

Because we're too stupid for democracy?

It's not really stupidity; it's more that a lot of people have underdeveloped ethical systems that rely on authority figures to implement some kind of moral code. They don't understand the concept of choosing right over wrong for its own sake. Rather, they avoid wrongdoing because of the negative consequences associated. Of course, that's one of the reasons we live in a republic and not a democracy.

I don't think it's unethical to be impolite towards an 'authority' figure. It's a rational response to oppression. Had the 'cop' been an ethical person he would have acknowledged the right to free speech and expression.

You're completely right though. I don't need police around to stop me committing a crime, I simply chose not to do so. I don't steal because the goods are not mine and I have no entitlement to them. I don't need a threat of punishment to act as a decent person.

 

[Kenjitsuka]

If he arrested you for that he completely proved you where F*** RIGHT!!!

 

[Silva]

Why is it illegal to begin with?

I have the first/fourteenth amendment behind me completely.

You don't have the Fourteenth Amendment behind you. The phrase "without due process of law" renders the Fourteenth Amendment void if further laws are made that run counter to it, or if an arm of the law - a Police officer, in this case - has any involvement. The First Amendment isn't so useless, according to sources 14, 15 and 16 linked on the bottom of this page (linked earlier):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contempt_of_cop

So, you might have a case. Maybe. If you care about having a criminal record, you might want to try this. I suggest you get real legal advice before doing anything.

 

[Caliostro]

"Nah. I'm just a dick."

Yep, you deserve it.

And if that's in the transcript there's no way in hell you're winning.

 

[beddo]

I'm afraid the experience from most would tend to disagree with you. If they wanted to stop criminals then they would walk into the NSA building and arrest them all for illegal wiretapping.

Cops become cops because they can't do anything else. They have power trips and want to control the lives of others. There's nothing to stop police having criminal records or kick them out for commiting a crime.

They're ALL scum. Also, tell me this, how many police officers would arrest their partner if they saw them strike someone without cause? Enforce the law my arse.

That is a bit of a generalization isn't it? Yes, some cops are corrupt but saying all cops are like that is like saying everyone who plays video games is fat and lazy. It just isn't true.

I am sure there are some police officers out there who would gladly arrest their partners for police brutality. Sadly they don't.

I believe that all police are corrupt, how else can you explain the levels of corruption in the police? They are duty bound to arrest criminals and fail to do so among their own ranks, thus all police are acting in a corrupt way. Like I said, their job is to uphold the law so every police officer who fails to go to travel to the NSA building and arrest the members for illegal wiretapping is not obeying they oath they took.

Your second point is contradictory, if they would arrest them then why do they not?

 

[CHangedUsername]

I don't need a threat of punishment to act as a decent person.

Where morality is present, laws are unnecessary. Without morality, laws are unenforceable

Virtually all reasonable laws are obeyed, not because they are the law, but because reasonable people would do that anyway. If you obey a law simply because it is the law, that's a pretty likely sign that it shouldn't be a law.

 

[elvor0]

Pretty sure your bill of rights doesnt cover being a muppet.

Lets be honest here, you're going to court because YOU were being a douche, mouthing off to an officer is a pretty thick thing to do, what EXACTLY are you going to say in court; "I was being a crettin, but my ammendment rights say I can!"?

Yeah...no condolences from me, you're gonna look pretty silly in court.

Well yes, they do! The bill of rights ensure freedom of expression which includes absolute freedom of speech.

Of course the legal system has adapted to shut down this right in many ways.

Why shouldn't he mouth off to an officer? What was this officer doing harassing him in the first place? Just going on a power trip.

Fuck him, fuck the police they're all a bunch of corrupt cunts with no intention of actually upholding the law or serving the public.

I hope you experience the full oppressive force of your wet dream police state.

Actually it was more because of what he was doing, as opposed to "wanting a police state", everything the op has said makes him look like some cocky kid wanting to "stick it to the man" for no good reason, he was being disordely, got questioned by the police, then decided to be a cock about it, to the person who was busting him, regardless of wether it's right or not, it's still a stupid thing to do in the first place.

EDIT: Ok so he just said he shouted at a cop in the street and called him an Asshole, if someone randomly called you an asshole in the street, you'd be pretty inclined to do something back wouldn't you? You just...dont provoke a cop, it's fucking stupid.

Also frankly right NOW, I'd like the police to be more on the fucking ball in Britain at least, they're bloody shite here.

 

[beddo]

Why is it illegal to begin with?

I have the first/fourteenth amendment behind me completely.

No you don't, the phrase "without due process of law" renders the Fourteenth Amendment void if further laws are made that run counter to it, or if an arm of the law - a Police officer, in this case - has any involvement. The First Amendment is similarly useless to you here, or else there would be no point legislating that you must follow an officer's instructions.

The law in many US states may be stupid, but if a law is written, it must be followed, regardless of overarching Federal laws from way back in US history. Very few lawyers in your country would take on a case like yours on the basis of an Amendment. Who in the law business wants to defend someone who abused a cop? That is bad image management if ever there has been.

While you are accurate from a practical position the Constitution is still in effect. The fact that it is ignored is irrelevant, this officer has breached his rights and we'll recognise it even if the system doesn't.

 

[CHangedUsername]

[it's still a stupid thing to do in the first place.

I wasn't sticking it to the man. I was on the phone and angry. he asked me what was wrong. I snapped at him.

Yes I responded rudely. I know. We all agree. Fuck. Read and COMPREHEND the thread

 

[scotth266]

You acted like an asshole solely for the purpose of being an asshole, and now you're attempting to hide behind the Constitution to avoid the consequences?

Enjoy your fine.

 

[elvor0]

[it's still a stupid thing to do in the first place.

I wasn't sticking it to the man. I was on the phone and angry. he asked me what was wrong. I snapped at him.

Yes I responded rudely. I know. We all agree. Fuck. Read and COMPREHEND the thread

"He was in his car driving by when I called him an asshole. I kept walking and then heard a car door slam behind me.

I turned around. He had came after me."

ahem? Seems like you started it going by that.

 

[CHangedUsername]

ahem? Seems like you started it going by that.

He pulled over.
Got out of his car.
And walked up to me.

I started nothing.

I said what I said And then kept walking.

 

[crypt-creature]

First amendment brah.

Which does not give you the legal right to insult anyone that you please.

Basically "Without the First Amendment, religious minorities could be persecuted, the government might well establish a national religion, protesters could be silenced, the press could not criticize government, and citizens could not mobilize for social change."
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/about.aspx?item=about_firstamd

You can't insult someone and not expect to get in trouble for it.

Seriously. Do some research.

 

[CHangedUsername]

Research?

The amendment is right there.
Clear as day.

Brief. It puts no clause on it.


The Ten Commandments contain 297 words. The Bill of Rights is stated in 463 words. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address contains 266 words. A recent federal directive to regulate the price of cabbage contains 26,911 words ~ The Atlanta Journal

 

[CroMagnon]

Sigh. Lets get this out of the way once and for all.

WE KNOW YOUR AN IDIOT.

BUT IS WHAT YOU DID ILEGAL?

Frankly, it could well be determined so by a judge. Or it could not. IF you hide behind the constitution... then well, don't you think others have tried that? It's a little unoriginal... On the topic, it all depends. If the oficer shows up (which is unlikely) You will (probably) get off a whole lot easyer. I say, chillax. Just go to court on the 19th, take your trial, then leave when nothing happens.

On the other hand, if the guy shows up and the judge is an ass, then fight it with all youve got. What else do you have to lose?

 

[CHangedUsername]

I have job interview in 7 hours.

I should sleep.
Night people.

 

[Snor]

americans and you silly lawsuits... maybe don't be so stupid to insult him? hows that?