AuthorTopic: A crushing blow  (Read 20921 times)

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Offline Terminus

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« Reply #60 on: August 15, 2006, 01:18:07 »
I realise it seems harsh but the police have to obey the law and if it seems sometimes that the end result is harsh - I appologise but it's not like they have a choice and often (as i believe in this case) the fact that someone has broken the law is overlooked or perhaps the seriousnes is not appreciated.

I'm not trying to make people think as I do I'm just tying to put across a point of view that may not have been considered.

I'm also not asking everyone to agreee with me
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Offline Bob696

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« Reply #61 on: August 15, 2006, 08:59:38 »
Quote
Comparisons with Nazi Germany may sound over the top but when you start to allow the Police to punish people without them having the chance to defend themselves in court it is the start of a slippery slope toward a fascist state.

Replace fascist with totalitarian and you are nearer the mark.

I find it sickening that anybody can be punished without due recourse to law. I would have no problem with the bike being crushed if a court (with proper legal representation for all parties) decided that was the way to go. There is something very wrong when an individual can decide to punish another individual jsut because they have the power to do so.

I have read and considered the comments concerning the chain of command i.e. the decision goes to the sargent then the inspector etc and to be honest I think that is no protection at all. A sargent will be inclined to back up the PC, an inspector to back up his sargent etc and so the process is NOT impartial and is based on on guilty until someone in the chain is in a very good mood.

Also the comment that traffic law was set in stone (sorry but I may be takeing the comment out of context to prove a point) rather goes to proove a point. How many people have been "let off" for a minor infringment? Isnt this an example of how police officers are individuals and should therefor not be allowed to be the "jury". Just imagine if this law was expanded just a little and you encountered a PC who was on the RA exec :?

This sort of thing has always been a bug bear of mine especialy as regards HMC&E who have way more power of "on the spot" punishment than the police could dream of.
"A wise man has something to say a fool has to say something"
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Offline Skibum346

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« Reply #62 on: August 15, 2006, 10:21:06 »
Quote from: "att"
The Police do not make the right decision everytime, much like Judges.
No one is perfect.
In my opinion, police should not have the right to make these decisions, as councils should not either, they have been given too much power over the average citizen.....Even to the point that councils can seize an empty property after six months, with no right of appeal.

The UK has become fascist, it is a fact.

We will all be chipped soon, the next 10 - 20 years, they will use crime as an excuse, they are already monitoring our vehicles, it will be us next.
We are slowly but surely being led by the nose to constant monitoring, they are clever in their psychological conditioning as they do it.

People are mostly weak and ignorant to this, they see these measures as salvation to the anti-social climate and crime ridden society and take on board the "what have you got to hide" mentality.

I have my indivduality to hide, my inner self etc......My creative self, my innovative self, I just want to be me and hide away when needs be and be a social chamelion when needs be, I don`t want to be demographed, pigeon holed, labelled, homogonised, pastuerised, standardised for the sake of the Govt. and large Corps.

I want to be free.


Fascism: Definition from Wikipedia:
Fascism is a radical totalitarian political philosophy that combines elements of corporatism, authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, militarism, anti-anarchism, anti-communism and anti-liberalism.

The original fascist (fascismo) movement ruled Italy from 1922 to 1943 under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. In time, the generic term fascism came to cover a class of authoritarian political ideologies, parties, and political systems, most notably Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler but also Hungary's Arrow Cross Party, Romania's Iron Guard, Spain's Falange and the French political movements led by former socialists Marcel Déat and Jacques Doriot and others.


Yeah... your right enough.... we are a fascist state........ :roll:

Offline Terminus

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« Reply #63 on: August 15, 2006, 13:34:16 »
Quote from: "Bob696"
I have read and considered the comments concerning the chain of command i.e. the decision goes to the sargent then the inspector etc and to be honest I think that is no protection at all. A sargent will be inclined to back up the PC, an inspector to back up his sargent etc and so the process is NOT impartial and is based on on guilty until someone in the chain is in a very good mood.


On the basis of that surely the judge could do the same .... if you think todays police are there to just blindly back each other up for the fun of it - perhaps you should sign on the line and try it - I suspect you'd find it a totally different world - nothing happens without evidence not even the crushing of a bike. Bad day or not.
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Offline Bob696

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« Reply #64 on: August 15, 2006, 13:48:13 »
Quote
On the basis of that surely the judge could do the same

Indeed you could BUT there are legal safeguards such as having a barrister there acting on your behalf, a jury, legal clarks to advise, appeals procedure etc etc. Not to mention the CPS at the fist instance.

Backing up "your own" is just human nature, please dont try to tell us that it dosnt happen. It might even be rare BUT once (to the detriment of an individual) is too many times.
"A wise man has something to say a fool has to say something"
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Offline Skibum346

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« Reply #65 on: August 15, 2006, 14:10:42 »
Quote from: "Bob696"
Backing up "your own" is just human nature, please dont try to tell us that it dosnt happen. It might even be rare BUT once (to the detriment of an individual) is too many times.


There is a diffirence between "backing up" and misuse of power. In my experience... and I have some... Many of those who claim that the police have abused their power when dealing with them have:
a) Not understood the issue at hand nor the legislation involved
b) Been biased by the prevelence of un-informed comment and opinion prevelent today
c) Unconciously wanted to "appear" innocent on re-telling the story

Members of every organisation support their fellows, look at mud club... but at the same time, that does not mean there is a blanket defence of each other in all instances. How many of you would defend 4x4 drivers who broke through fences, killed sheep and generally tore up a neautiful lane?

I'm not saying it has NEVER happened, however, I truly believe it's a lot less prevelent than "popular" opinion suggests.

Skibum

Offline Terminus

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« Reply #66 on: August 15, 2006, 14:12:02 »
Quote from: "Bob696"
Quote
On the basis of that surely the judge could do the same

Indeed you could BUT there are legal safeguards such as having a barrister there acting on your behalf, a jury, legal clarks to advise, appeals procedure etc etc. Not to mention the CPS at the fist instance.

Backing up "your own" is just human nature, please dont try to tell us that it dosnt happen. It might even be rare BUT once (to the detriment of an individual) is too many times.


It probably does in every single occupation in the world (there will always be bad apples)- the difference here is as I said earlier you need evidence not just someones word to back up.

It's the age old thing if someone is in an organisation that's doors are closed to you - suspect them of everything and decide they are up to no good.

It's a choice thing if he didn't lend the bike to someone underage to be playing on it and that person didn't ride it where it shouldn't be illegally then his bike would still be safe and fine ..... If the circumstances had complicated by one of your friends being run over and killed or seriously injured I'm sure you wouldn't be making such an issue of people doing their job.  If fact it would be the other way round you'd make an issue if they didn't.

This debate could rage on for years and the bottom line would still - be - as it stands right now it's the law, written by officials you elected and enforced by a group of people who stand in harms way so you don't have to.

That's my last thought on the matter  :lol:  mighty good discussion though.  :) Enjoy.
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Offline Skibum346

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« Reply #67 on: August 15, 2006, 14:14:51 »
Another thought oin re-reading my post...

Quote
Bob696 wrote:
Backing up "your own" is just human nature, please dont try to tell us that it dosnt happen. It might even be rare BUT once (to the detriment of an individual) is too many times.


If it's wrong for thje police to back each other up "even once" to the detriment of another... doesn't that bring us back to the core of the argument... the youth, riding an uninsurable bike in a public place when legislation has been through the mill to put in place a "fixed penalty", bike crushing. Surely it is wrong for him, even once, to ride an uninsurable bike in a public place, to the detriment of others?

Skibum

Offline Terminus

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« Reply #68 on: August 15, 2006, 14:23:18 »
Very good point Skibum -

no wait I'm supposed to be not saying anything more  :lol:  *zips mouth - puts sock on head - looks the other way and sings a song about pixies*

I really got to stop reading this debate I can't help myself  :lol:  :lol:

Ah the kettle's boiled that ought to save me - nice cup of tea and some wensleydale eh grommit?
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Offline Skibum346

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« Reply #69 on: August 15, 2006, 14:31:28 »
**Bows low and reaches for the Wenslydale**

**Blinks at you hoping you'll recognise a doggie request for "two sugars this time.... please!**

 :lol:  :lol:

Offline Terminus

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« Reply #70 on: August 15, 2006, 14:37:29 »
Quote from: "Skibum346"
**Bows low and reaches for the Wenslydale**

**Blinks at you hoping you'll recognise a doggie request for "two sugars this time.... please!**

 :lol:  :lol:


 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
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Offline Bob696

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« Reply #71 on: August 15, 2006, 16:15:30 »
Quote
the difference here is as I said earlier you need evidence not just someones word to back up.


But who judges the evidence? "12 good men and true"? Or the local PC and his chain of command. Which would you prefer to be tried, judged and sentenced by?
Quote

If it's wrong for thje police to back each other up "even once" to the detriment of another... doesn't that bring us back to the core of the argument... the youth, riding an uninsurable bike in a public place when legislation has been through the mill to put in place a "fixed penalty", bike crushing. Surely it is wrong for him, even once, to ride an uninsurable bike in a public place, to the detriment of others?


Two wrongs do not make it right I am afraid. I have no problems with condemning the youth IF he is guilty. But in this case who has prooved that he is guilty? Who has provided the evidence, judged it and imposed the punishment? The answer appears to be the police force to all three. Anybody who remembers the Serious Crime Squad of the west midlands police from the 70/80s will recognise just how dangerous this is.

I have personal experience of police covering each others backs ... its not nice to be on the recieving end. Long story but I can retell it if needed. No complicated legislation and I wasnt accused of anything.

The trouble is that people expect police to be whiter than white and has been said before they are only human which is why they should not be judge jury and exicutioner.
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Offline Skibum346

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« Reply #72 on: August 15, 2006, 16:40:40 »
Quote from: "Bob696"
Quote
the difference here is as I said earlier you need evidence not just someones word to back up.


But who judges the evidence? "12 good men and true"? Or the local PC and his chain of command. Which would you prefer to be tried, judged and sentenced by?
Quote

If it's wrong for thje police to back each other up "even once" to the detriment of another... doesn't that bring us back to the core of the argument... the youth, riding an uninsurable bike in a public place when legislation has been through the mill to put in place a "fixed penalty", bike crushing. Surely it is wrong for him, even once, to ride an uninsurable bike in a public place, to the detriment of others?


Two wrongs do not make it right I am afraid. I have no problems with condemning the youth IF he is guilty. But in this case who has prooved that he is guilty? Who has provided the evidence, judged it and imposed the punishment? The answer appears to be the police force to all three. Anybody who remembers the Serious Crime Squad of the west midlands police from the 70/80s will recognise just how dangerous this is.

I have personal experience of police covering each others backs ... its not nice to be on the recieving end. Long story but I can retell it if needed. No complicated legislation and I wasnt accused of anything.

The trouble is that people expect police to be whiter than white and has been said before they are only human which is why they should not be judge jury and exicutioner.


Yeah.. I see what you mean... why trust someone who has been evaluated, recruited, trained, mentored and who knows the law and their place in it.... over a "spotty" youth?

Are you seriously suggesting that actually... what happened was... PC Toobigforhisboots spotted the youth playing in a field, with the permission of the farmer... but decided sod it... "having a bad day and your gonna pay for it"?

I did jury service once, fairly straighforward case... known disqualified driver, spotted driving, followed, helicopter was in area so joined in. Driver & passanger de-camped, was followed by helicopter observer with camera, 100% coverage. Other officers were talked into their hiding place and they were arrested. During deliberations and individual who shall remain nameless actually suggested they'd rather believe the driver as all four officers involved ( and I guess he must have included the video camera in his thinking) werein it together and the bloke was innocent.

What IS clear to me is that despite the expending of lots of words, examples, etc some of us will inherintly trust the police force to do a fair job within the legislation given. Others will inherintly mistrust the police and the judiciary in general. It will take more than a mud club discussion to alter the minds of either.

BOB696 I believe your arguments about representatio in court are flawed. You have a right to those opinions and I'll fight for you to have them... however... it don't make you right.

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Offline Bob696

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« Reply #73 on: August 15, 2006, 20:45:36 »
Skibum if you are seriously suggesting that people should have the right to a fair trial removed then I really do feel sorry for you. Just think of all those totalatarian goverments of past and present which we now decry, USSR, Nazis, italian fascists, Franco, China, North Korea, Pinoche etc etc. Do you really want to live like that?

Remember that the basis of British justice is "innocent until PROOVEN guilty"

Quote
why trust someone who has been evaluated, recruited, trained, mentored and who knows the law and their place in it
That would be why they have internal investigations into corruption ....... mind you the police at least get to stand in a court and defend themselves.
Quote

BOB696 I believe your arguments about representatio in court are flawed. You have a right to those opinions and I'll fight for you to have them... however... it don't make you right.


I would rather you didnt if its all the same to you. Not sure what your country would be like.
"A wise man has something to say a fool has to say something"
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att

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« Reply #74 on: August 15, 2006, 22:15:27 »
I have many things to say on this, but I fear that my veiws would be too extreme for this forum, besides, I do not really have time to tell of my experiences both recent and in times gone by.

I will just say though, I have spent much time with Police on both sides of the Atlantic, I have had both good and bad experiences, it is the bad experiences that allow me to KNOW that the Police should never, ever be Judge and Jury, they are seldom impartial and there is not a human being on this planet that cannot be totally be impartial to everything, we internalise all our experiences and process them in different ways, that will affect our judgement in the future to some degree, we are all different, so there is no way in this world that a decision would be totally fiar in anybody`s eyes.

The Americans have it really sussed, they have little or no nuisence crime, anti-social behaviour etc. The population respect the Police becuase they carry guns, you cannot argue with a gun, it is final.
I have been on many patrols with the Police in the States and found it both exciting and educational, however, each Police Dept. was different, this was down to the individual and they would handle incidents in different ways.....Each time.

The Police in this country have it hard, they are bound by silly legislation and political correctness at every turn, I know a retired policeman really well, he retired because the job was a joke for him, I also know a current serving officer who feels the same, he is eeking out unitl he has his pension rights.

Just my 2pth.

Offline Skibum346

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« Reply #75 on: August 16, 2006, 07:55:43 »
So.... whne your caught speeding...not that anyone EVER speeds... and recive a fixed penalty notice, a fine and three points...what is that...?

Or... you recieve a parking ticket... what is it £40 fine these days...?

These are examples and there are others, of juducial decision that have gone through the political process and been set up such that if person A is caught doing act B then punishment C will be applied.

This does not remove the right to "a fair trial" it simplifies the process. In each case evidence has to be provided by expert witnesses (the police).

Please those of you who disagree... quote me the legislation that says once PC Toobigforhisboots makes the decision there is NO appeal.

I hear peole going on at great length about how "bad" the police are. It really cheeses me off. YES, they are a slice of humanity like any group and there are specific dangers if a bad apple exists (Serious Crime Squad of the 20-30 years ago, course... nothing has changed in the intervening years has it?). But, we as a sociaety have organised such that they are the people we ask to do that job. the great majority of them deserve our support.

As for fairness, or blind application of law, there are plenty of these shows following the police on the satellte channels, I have lost count of the number of times police officers have given six, seven eight or more warnings of the consequences of particular behaviour continueing. If that's not making sure individuals have the opportunity to AVOID a punishment, what is?

Back to the topic in hand however as yet again, we have gone too global in this discussion. I am fairly certain, though I've not done the research (please provide evidence to the contrary if necessary) that this legislation (remember, due political process and all that) was put in place because OTHER methods had failed. Now it might be that this youth had never been there before, never done anything wrong in his life etc etc. Tough. Agian, to repeat a theme, personal responsibility.

Og course... I might be wrong... after all... it's all a conspiracy...!

Offline Bob696

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« Reply #76 on: August 16, 2006, 11:09:44 »
Quote from: "Skibum346"

This does not remove the right to "a fair trial" it simplifies the process. In each case evidence has to be provided by expert witnesses (the police).


I will just answer that with a quote found on sky news today
Quote
Liberty's Shami Chakrabarti told the paper: "Surely the many officers who are proud of our consent-based policing tradition will resent the idea of being legislator, judge and jury on the cheap?"

America has a wonderfull system of plea bargining. If you plead guilty you get a much reduced sentence. Many innocent people plead guilty as they cant afford a solictor .... sounds like you want the same system.
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« Reply #77 on: August 16, 2006, 14:13:36 »
As someone has already said, in this country you are INNOCENT until proven guilty. The right to a fair trial is one of the basic principles of a democracy and one that many people have fought and died to preserve.

Some of you think that the comparison with Nazi Germany is OTT but the erosion of basic rights is how that kind of thing started. Just because you (and I) don't like some little toe-rag riding around on a motorcycle (in this case)and causing a nuisance you think it aceptable for punishments to be handed out by the Police because you would not do that and your vehicles are taxed, tested, insured etc. That's how the Nazis got away with it - "Oh well it doesn't affect me I'm not a Jew..."

Well, what will you think when the Police are given greater powers - things that may result in someone recieving a far greater punishment that a motorcycle being crushed? Don't think it will happen? It is the thin end of the wedge we are looking at here!

Another reason for the Police to not be allowed these powers is the very fact that they are dealing day-to-day with criminal suspects. They will be biased against individuals that they have had dealings with and cannot possibly be impartial in the way a magistrate or a jury can. Also, it is a charter for corruption - officers whose integrity is not all it should be will use these powers to their own advantage.

Quote from: "Terminus"
Police simply enforce the law they don't have a choice - they can't pick and choose what law to uphold


Mr. Terminus - I take it from your stance in all this that you are a serving Police officer? Well, you DO have a choice - if you feel that a law is unjust and you do not wish to enforce it you can resign. Or of course you can continue to uphold unjust laws to preserve you own personal livelihood at the expense of the freedom of others.

The attitude of "I was only obeying orders" - where have we heard that before?[/quote]

Offline rangerider

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« Reply #78 on: August 16, 2006, 15:02:02 »
Quote from: "Bob696"


But who judges the evidence? "12 good men and true"? Or the local PC and his chain of command. Which would you prefer to be tried, judged and sentenced by?


rubbish, I cant attribute the quote correctly, but it was once said that 12 people without the nous to get out of jury duty are no peers of mine :)

the only differences between a jury trial (on the rare occasions you are allowed one) and (excuse the expression) summary judgement by a police officer at the scene are that the police officer likely makes his mind up as soon as he has seen the facts in front of him, the jury generally make their mind up without facts the minute you enter the dock.

In short, give me the cop on the street, where I can apologise humbly promise to be a good boy in future and never do it again, and hopefully if the wind is blowing right walk away with a well deserved stern warning:)

ATT, I to have dealt with law enforcement both sides of the Atlantic and dare i say it, the carrying of guns has nothing to do with it, (I speak mainly from the southern states) there is still a modicum of respect for others and their property regardless of uniform. I walk into the corner shop there and am called Sir, even the children of the people I stay with address me with similar respect.

BOB696, as with this country the US has a system of court appointed legal counsels for those without the financial means, and from experience they seem to be a darn heap more passionate about what they do than the legal aid monkeys here (on the subject of which, try getting legal aid - its a joke)

DAVE2A, My current boss is "ex-job" He left in the mid 80s as things started getting silly and the financial descicion was easy to make, lots more money in the private sector, the moral choice of upholding laws he felt silly, or having nobody to uphold the law at all was much harder (in the end forced retirement on medical grounds solved that dilemma).

Would you put on that uniform today? I wouldnt, not for triple what terminus may earn today, even tax free! Many of those that do put on the uniform deserve, and recieve my utmost respect, no matter if I have transgressed the law of the land or not.

Next time i am in scotland terminus, theres a few on me for you.
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Offline Bob696

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« Reply #79 on: August 16, 2006, 15:53:49 »
Quote
but it was once said that 12 people without the nous to get out of jury duty are no peers of mine Smile


or perhaps they just have more sense of civic duty and a respect for justice.

Dave2a has hit the nail on the head with the thin end of the wedge.

I look forward to reading the outrage when a legal 4x4 is crushed because they got lost, just dont forget that the policeman is ALWAYS right.
"A wise man has something to say a fool has to say something"
"Think of it as evolution in action" and yes, I do know that I can't spell thank you.
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Offline Skibum346

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« Reply #80 on: August 16, 2006, 16:06:31 »
Quote from: "Bob696"
Quote from: "Skibum346"

This does not remove the right to "a fair trial" it simplifies the process. In each case evidence has to be provided by expert witnesses (the police).


I will just answer that with a quote found on sky news today
Quote
Liberty's Shami Chakrabarti told the paper: "Surely the many officers who are proud of our consent-based policing tradition will resent the idea of being legislator, judge and jury on the cheap?"

America has a wonderfull system of plea bargining. If you plead guilty you get a much reduced sentence. Many innocent people plead guilty as they cant afford a solictor .... sounds like you want the same system.


....Huh.....?

Don't see the connection.

Offline Terminus

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« Reply #81 on: August 16, 2006, 16:13:38 »
Quote from: "dave2a"
Mr. Terminus - I take it from your stance in all this that you are a serving Police officer? Well, you DO have a choice - if you feel that a law is unjust and you do not wish to enforce it you can resign. Or of course you can continue to uphold unjust laws to preserve you own personal livelihood at the expense of the freedom of others.


Never once did I say I felt it was unjust in fact quite the opposite if you take the time to read my posts.  You think you can do the job better - thats ok sign on the line. Police do a job if you don't like it or think you'd do it better you know how to solve that issue.

I gave up discussing the matter when it became a circular debate I think I've given my personal opinion - as for the preserve unjust laws clap trap get real if you don't like the justice system vote different or take up a job where you can change them but don't sit there accusing hard working people of doing anything at the expense of your freedom.

If the law wasn't upheld your freedom would give you the freedom to be robbed or perhaps the freedom to have drug dealers on your doorstep or the freedom to hide in your house cause the neighbourhood just went to a fiery hot place in a hand cart  :shock:

Edit - eventually we're going to have to agree to politely disagree - or we could sit and pull faces for a bit  :P  :P  :P
Way back then - life crawled out of the mud, then it decided life was better and crawled back in!

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« Reply #82 on: August 16, 2006, 16:18:21 »
Incredible.... they are all still missing the point... the offficer on scene's role is to provide the evidence that an offence has been committed. If that's being judge and jury.... then ANYONE arrested for an offfence is being abbused.

The legislation was proposed, debated and put in place by people OTHER than the police officer who siezed the offending bike.

Dave2a... your comment...

Quote
That's how the Nazis got away with it - "Oh well it doesn't affect me I'm not a Jew..."

Is way off target. Every law in the land and the assigned punishment applies to me, you (everyyyybody... as the Blues Brothers once sang). I'm happy with that situation... I'm happy that someone has studied a problem, tried other means of control, studied it again and come up with a new penalty. If you catch me doing it, I'm happy to suffer the consequences. If there are mitigating circumstance (Lack of signage, contradicting lane status information etc etc) then yes, I'll probably use every means available to appeal the decision or, if I'm too late and my pride and joy has been crushed, seek compensation. Guess what... I'm still happy!

As far as I'm concerned, the thin end of the wedge is wedged firmly against the democratic process. Trust me... if I ever believe it's mabnaging to shove it out of the way, I'll be the first to line them up aghainst the wall. That day is not even on the horizon yet.

Skibum

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« Reply #83 on: August 16, 2006, 16:56:45 »
For those who wish to (or perhaps need to?) review the legislation, Section 152 of the Serious & Organised Crime Act can be found here.

Note the phrasing, the individual has an opportunity to provide the necessary documents (Licence, Tax, Insurance etc). If they can't, there is a problem.

Skibum

Offline Bob696

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« Reply #84 on: August 16, 2006, 18:24:28 »
Quote
Incredible.... they are all still missing the point... the offficer on scene's role is to provide the evidence that an offence has been committed. If that's being judge and jury.


 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  I think it is you that is missing the point
Providing evidence is called being a "witness" and not being a "judge and jury". Being a witness is part of a policemans role if I am correct and Jurys decide if someone is guilty from the evidence and then the judge decides on the punishment. It is somehow streamlined, and cheaper, if an individual fullfills all the functions.

Still if you are happy for justice to take a backseat to economics then who am I to argue. Its obviously a matter of priorities.

As to the thin end of the wedge and this has happened before
Quote
"A generation that ignores history has no past and no future"
-Robert Heinlein
"A wise man has something to say a fool has to say something"
"Think of it as evolution in action" and yes, I do know that I can't spell thank you.
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att

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« Reply #85 on: August 16, 2006, 19:58:47 »
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me -
and by then there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller

Offline rangerider

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« Reply #86 on: August 16, 2006, 20:01:42 »
Quote from: "Bob696"
Quote
but it was once said that 12 people without the nous to get out of jury duty are no peers of mine Smile


or perhaps they just have more sense of civic duty and a respect for justice.


My comment was meant in good humour, to illustrate that in many respects the justice system of this fair land is all too often a joke unfortunately. I honestly cannot say when I last (if ever) saw one of my peers sat on a jury, by which I mean white, mid-30's, respectable professional.

Last goodness knows how many times I have sat in crown court, the jury have been almost exclusively the unemployed (dare i say unemployable in many cases?) all of whom generally have a distinct anti-police/establishment leaning, with a smattering of the older retired classes. I have watched serving police officers walk into the courtroom, take one look at the jury and mutter "(s)he's going to walk" (I can sense terminus sat reading and nodding now  :) )

The lack of a sense of civic duty and respect for justice, the self and others are exactly why this country is in the state it is in (ill jump off me soapbox now)
Hela - Disco 200TDi, Still stock for now but watch this space.......
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Offline Terminus

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« Reply #87 on: August 16, 2006, 20:52:40 »
Quote from: "att"
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me -
and by then there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller


then they came for the aliens
but I've never been at Roswell

Then they came for the conspiracy theorists
But I've never seen a grassy knoll

Then they came for the people who blow things a little out of proportion
And they had big dogs and sharks with 'laser beams' and giants that were 900 ft tall and took away my freedom and put me in a cell where I had to write this with a crayon I made from ear wax.

Then they came for the people who thought crushing a motorbike was the next step to Hitler 2 and WW3
and sudenly I thought wait a minute lets get a sense of proportion here ... but it was too late ... :shock:

 :P  :P  What I think I'm trying to say here in my own humerous way is - there's a law, it was upheld and I'm gonna be brave here and suggest it doesn't bring about the downfall of democracy or restart the cold war - but it will make an uncle somewhere think carefully about lending a motorbike to someone not responsible enough to ride it somewhere legal and safe. I'm not hearing much in the news about an appeal - wonder why?

And yes you can always appeal thats part of our fine democracy - the freedom of information act made the Police far more accountable and transparent - if it's wrong all he has to do is prove it - but there does seem to be a lack of movement in that direction - I would suggest because he can't produce the necessary documents and he knows it.

Edit - oh and yes rangerider i did nod a bit.

Edit 2 - Now you'll have to excuse me I'm off to invade Polan........ nah just kidding  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Edit 3 - and yes before anyone says it I am a bit of a smart a**e

Edit 4 - No more edits I promise  :lol:
Way back then - life crawled out of the mud, then it decided life was better and crawled back in!

*If you only knew the power of the dark side*

Offline Bob696

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« Reply #88 on: August 16, 2006, 23:00:17 »
A generation that ignores history has no past and no future

Quote
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

 Thomas Jefferson
"A wise man has something to say a fool has to say something"
"Think of it as evolution in action" and yes, I do know that I can't spell thank you.
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Offline Terminus

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« Reply #89 on: August 16, 2006, 23:52:10 »
Quote
A generation that compares the nazi invasion of Poland to the crushing of a motorbike used illegally - is a trifle over reactive

Terminus
Way back then - life crawled out of the mud, then it decided life was better and crawled back in!

*If you only knew the power of the dark side*

 






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