Date:         Wed, 15 May 2002 17:23:51 -0400
Reply-To:     jbrush@AROS.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Brush <jbrush@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Re: Just Cause
Comments: To: pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <009001c1fc5f$8e810f80$14a6fea9@pacbell.net>

>If asked for a search "Thank you officer, but I do not choose to discuss
>my personal affairs with an officer of the law at this time, good day".
>Politely roll up the window, do not make eye contact, motor away gently.

I expect this will get you into big trouble.

I believe that the officer can search your vehicle without a warrant, if
he believes that has just cause.

Now, what does just cause mean? I have no idea, but basically I think it
means if he searches, you can file charges against him and have a judge
decide if he had "just cause"

I am not gonna argue like I am an expert lawyer, but if the officer offers
you a good reason for wanting to search, you have to let him do it.

Rights are only rights when everyone is honest. A dishonest officer can,
and probably will, bend the rules and make you let him search if that is
his goal. The part about "rights" only comes in to play when you decide to
take him to court. Even then, you are dependent on a judge who obeys the
letter of law, and not his own personal interpretation of it.

Wasn't it Jefferson who said that The Constitution was only intended to
governing honest citizens, and that it was wholly inadequate for anyone
else? Actually, I think the word God goes in there, but you get the idea
:-)

John