Once again, the United States Supreme Court has proven Clarence Darrow, a civil liberties attorney and long-time advocate for the Constitution, correct in his assertion that “there is no such thing as justice – in or out of court.” In meting out this particular miscarriage of justice, the Supreme Court recently refused to hear the case of a pregnant woman who was repeatedly tasered by Seattle police during a routine traffic stop simply because she refused to sign a speeding ticket.
Malaika Brooks, 33 years old and seven months pregnant, was driving her 11-year-old son to school on a November morning in 2004, when she was pulled over for driving 32 mph in a 20 mph school zone. Instructing her son to walk the rest of the way to school, Malaika handed over her driver’s license to Officer Juan Ornelas for processing. However, when instructed to sign the speeding ticket – which the state inexplicably requires, Malaika declared that she wished to contest the charge, insisting that she had not done anything wrong and fearing that signing the ticket would signify an admission of guilt.
What happened next is a cautionary tale for anyone who still thinks that they can defy a police officer, even if it’s simply to disagree about a speeding ticket. Rather than issuing a verbal warning to the clearly pregnant (and understandably emotional) woman, Officer Ornelas called for backup. Officer Donald Jones subsequently arrived and told Brooks to sign the ticket. Again she refused. The conversation became heated. The cops called in more backup. The next to arrive was Sergeant Steven Daman, who directed Brooks to sign the ticket, pointing out that if she failed to do so, she would be arrested and taken to jail. Again, Malaika refused.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
8 comments:
So just because Clarence Darrow, a civil liberties attorney says no justice in or ouy of court. Really means is the court didn't see it his way.
So this women is completely in the wrong and refuses to take responsibility for actions. Then she resists a lawful arrest knowing she is pregnant and blames the police for her actions. Typical America right there.
She sounds like she is a belligerent lawbreaker with absolutely no regard for authority or the lives and safety of others. That she then whines because she received just treatment further displays her stupidity.
Bottom line, the courts were right, she deserved what she got.
How about the kid inside of her. Did he/she deserve to be tazed in her stomach? I really just am blown away by the stupidity I witness on here on a daily basis.
don't fight the police when you're preggers, not too difficult to figure out.
11:07 Its a regular thing on here. Makes me ashamed of where im from.
I hope a police officer reads this and leaves a comment.I was under the impression that the recipient did not actually have to sign a ticket,and that the officer could indicate on the ticket that the person refused to sign.Maybe it's different in different parts of the country.
screw the taser, if an idiot wants to act out against a police officer shoot the B!
Post a Comment