Yes, You Can Still Legally Photograph / Video Tape Police

Quote : In a decision that could make it easier for citizens to record police officers in Maryland, a Harford County judge ruled Monday that state police and prosecutors were wrong to arrest and charge a man for taping his own traffic stop and posting it on the Internet. Circuit Court Judge Emory A. Plitt Jr.'s ruling helps clarify the state's wire tap law and makes it clear that police officers enjoy little expectation of privacy as they perform their duties. "Those of us who are public officials and are entrusted with the power of the state are ultimately accountable to the public," Plitt wrote. "When we exercise that power in a public forum, we should not expect our activity to be shielded from public scrutiny."

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/...ell-phones

A big thanks to judges who still exercise their right to interpret the laws, or a righties argue, "legislate from the bench".

Quote from 403forbidden : http://articles.baltimoresun.com/...ell-phones A big thanks to judges who still exercise their right to interpret the laws, or a righties argue, "legislate from the bench".

I really don't see how this correct decision was "legislating from the bench."

Quote from LapelFlag : I really don't see how this correct decision was "legislating from the bench."

It's not..I was being facetious.

Quote from 403forbidden : A big thanks to judges who still exercise their right to interpret the laws, or a righties argue, "legislate from the bench".

Quote from LapelFlag : I really don't see how this correct decision was "legislating from the bench."

I would like further clarification as well how this is grounds for "legislating from the bench". Seems to me the judge interpreted the law.

Quote from 403forbidden : http://articles.baltimoresun.com/...ell-phones A big thanks to judges who still exercise their right to interpret the laws, or a righties argue, "legislate from the bench".

You can't look at this and say, "Hey, that's a good decision. Good job county judge," without trying to throw an absolutely unrelated jab? Here, let me try: grapes are delicious, or, as lefties would argue, "taste like intolerance and fear."

LOL who pissed in your Cheerios today? Calm down.

This is only logical. The only purpose of government is to serve the public, so what better way can it be accountable to it?

Maybe cameras should be installed in other government buildings so that tax payers can see their money at work (or not working).

One state down, if it holds. Too many more to go.

Quote from 403forbidden : http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-09-27/news/bs-md-recorded-traffic-stop-20100927_1_police-officers-plitt-cell-phones A big thanks to judges who still exercise their right to interpret the laws, or a righties argue, "legislate from the bench".

Please post the number of 'righties' that have said this decision is 'legislating from the bench.'

Quote from coulditbeSatan : Please post the number of 'righties' that have said this decision is 'legislating from the bench.'

To the top for clearing up.

I was arrested for filming the police once. They were acting like they were in some gangland warefare in combination with Roid Rage and my dumb ass just stood there taping it (shoulda' fled - you may say don't flee if you're innocent, but you don't catch the cops breaking the law without problems). The charge, specifically (at least initially) stated for recording the cops on tape: obstruction of justice. It was pretty clear their logic: their idea of justice was being impeded by exposure to the public eye.

Of course by the time they finally processed me (which didn't happen until some phone calls were made) the obstruction charge's details were completely fabricated and a couple other completely trumped up charges were added.

Had a top notch attorney not heard my story from others who saw it go down and taken my case probono I may have been screwed, as I'm sure is the case for most people who wind up having to deal with felons dressed as cops.

The best way to hold them accountable may well be video recording, and that's their real objection.

Quote from redpoint5 : This is only logical. The only purpose of government is to serve the public, so what better way can it be accountable to it? Maybe cameras should be installed in other government buildings so that tax payers can see their money at work (or not working).

That's an ingenious idea, it could be called WasteCam!

However, being one who works for a County entity, I can tell you it'd get boring watching a bunch of folks tool around on Facebook for hours.

Quote from trancepire : That's an ingenious idea, it could be called WasteCam! However, being one who works for a County entity, I can tell you it'd get boring watching a bunch of folks tool around on Facebook for hours.

That's funny, actually made me chuckle