sudden valley gunner
Regular Member
Other than the fact it points out that not just some Police and Public Employees feel that they are above the law. Others obviously do as well.
Well the citizens are and can be above the law and often have a duty to break unconstitutional laws. Police and public employees are not above the law (actually supposed to be more accountable being they are constitutionally restricted). Yet they seem to get away with breaking it all the time. For example the deputy who allegedly made a witness erase pictures of the arrest and detainment of the Lynden Fair shooter. His actions were illegal.
I often hear Madison's quote misapplied, when people say we are a "Nation of laws not of men". What Madison's intent was that our "Nation" is governed by laws not governed by men. Like England with its Aristocracy and Monarchy. This quote isn't meant that the people of the nation must follow the laws. Our laws are supposed to restrict the government while leaving the people as free as possible.
This is why the founders adopted the Blackstone legal tradition when concerning free individuals, there must be a victim, actus reus and mens rea for there to be a crime. And juries were to and could nullify laws. Instead we have people who are mislead thinking if a law was broken someone has to pay (regaurdless if it doesn't meet, Blackstone tradition) they often buy into or are simply dismissed if they believe in nullification, and are given strict orders that are contrary to what a full jury duty entitles.
For good reading read "Tyranny of Good Intentions, How prosecutors and Law Enforcement are trampling the constitution in the name of justice". It really breaks down how our system is supposed to work. By Roberts and Stratton
Also "Who killed the Constitution" by Thomas. E. Woods Jr.
Also "Constitutional Chaos, What happens when the government Breaks its own laws" By Judge Napolitano.
Last edited: